Kalamazoo, MI — Heidi Weiss, Instructor of Foundation Art and Painting in the Gwen Frostic School of Art at Western Michigan University, and the 2026 WMU/KLC Community Literacy Fellow, is partnering with the Kalamazoo Literacy Council (KLC) on an exciting community project. Together, they invite the public to join the Edison Mural & Public Art Academy, which kicks off April 30.
The Academy is a series of four classes and two field work days, using the street mural at Literacy Lane as the focal point. Weiss’ instruction will focus on:
- the basics of mural-making
- how to keep murals lasting over time
- what planning, care, and protection public art needs to endure
This work builds on WMU’s Special Topics mural course and expands it into a community setting. The project emphasizes collaboration, community needs, and strengthening connections between WMU students and neighbors.
Class times:
Thursdays, April 30, May 7, 14, & 21
5:30-7:00 p.m.
420 E. Alcott St.
Kalamazoo, 49001
Field Work Days: May 29 & 30
Sign up here! Questions? Contact Abbey at (269) 382-0490 ext. 219 or aweathers@kalamazooliteracy.org.
About the WMU/KLC Community Literacy Fellowship
The WMU/KLC Community Literacy Fellowship supports faculty members and graduate students across disciplines as they collaborate with community experts in adult literacy and education. Fellows develop strategies to improve adult literacy instruction and other learning supports. Fellows are expected to disseminate their final findings via programs, proposals, or processes, and at the annual Adult Literacy Research and Training Symposium.
About the Kalamazoo Literacy Council
The KLC is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting adult literacy in Kalamazoo County. It offers free tutoring, classes, and literacy events that empower adults to reach their full potential as employees, parents, and community members. The KLC also supports the EDISON: EDucation IS ON Project and the Edison Resident Scholars. To learn more about the KLC and the EDISON Project, visit kalamazooliteracy.org/edison.
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