I have become a more confident person through my classes at the 212 Arts Center. I also have a wonderful Arts Center family that are encouraging, loving, helpful, and empowering. I really don't know what I would have done without this wonderfully, artistic and spiritual place.

Art is where my heart is and the Cowan Slavin Foundation Corp supports the Two Twelve Arts Center in Saline Michigan. I truely found a home for my artist heart at Two Twelve. The center and it's many programs, classes, resources and especially the fabulous staff provide myself and many artists with the inspiration and support that allows us to keep on creating art. Experienced artist, hobbiest, child, youth or adult all are encouraged to find that creative part of themselves that feeds the artist in their soul.

Cowen Slavin Foundation and Two Twelve arts have been a valuable asset to the community of Saline for the last 5 years. They have supported and nourished the artists in the area and made the arts accessible to all with classes, art shows and community wide events. What a great non-profit!!

The Cowan Slavin Foundation has supported 212 Arts Center and the artists and budding artists of the Saline community in ways that have helped them all become better. Not just better artists, but better at taking their art and the learning of art seriously - better at supporting one another and weaving together a close community of art enthusiasts that simultaneously welcomes more artists and art enthusiasts into that community. That balance of tight-knit and welcoming is indeed a rare thing to find. Artists of all ages interact with one another. Older artists find their eyes opening to new things, younger artists find that, too, but all ages start to look at one another as colleagues and valuable teachers. The artists at 212 Arts Center have all come to take their "games" more seriously, learning how to present their "products", how to merchandise, how to tell their stories. The Cowan Slavin Foundation has built a wonderful community in the 212 Arts Center.

212 Art Center has made art easily accessible in a small community. Whether taking a class, seeing an exhibition of work, or purchasing member work at the Holiday Sale there is no need to travel outside the area.The support they give independant artists on Friday's with the Cake Eaters sessions is extraordiinary, "making" the solitary creators commune with other artists and challenge them for projects often outside of their "comfort zone". Although only a part-time artist, this keeps my mind working.

I have taken a few classes at 212 Arts Center and have been very pleased with my progress as an art student. The staff is very helpful and committed to our community. 212 Arts Center is a big plus for Saline.

I have recently taken several classes at 212 Art Center and have been very pleased with what I've learned and what I have done. The instructors and people there are very knowledgeable, talented, and helpful. 212 Art Center is very visible in the community and is seen as a resource and leader in the cultural life of the community.

We are blessed to have this incredible resource in our community. Thank you for your generous support.

212 Art Center has supported me in my growth as an artist. I have learned much in the classes I have taken there. I am new to the Saline community and have felt welcomed by 212 both artistically and personally.

I discovered Two Twelve Art Center during my first year of retirement. The most impressive aspect of the Art Center is its ability to reach out into the community and make it a better place to live. Summer Camps for children, Family Fun Day, Creating attractive windsocks to beautify the city landscape, Promote a contest to increase traffic in downtown stores during the slow month of February were all the results of creative minds of persons who attend the Friday business meetings and the staff of Two Twelve.

Two Twelve has been a light in Saline. It is invaluable in connecting people to others with talent, creativity, vision, ingenuity and countless other gifts that drive a community. The arts center has filled a hole of need and is constantly growing, expanding it's reach. Margie Bovee is a gem.

My family was fortunate to find 212 Arts in it's early stages. My kids at the time were 7 & 10. That was over 5 years ago!

212 Arts has been a great place for our family to grow.

Here are a just a few quick examples:

For my youngest daughter ... she attended a summer "Day at the Community Garden" sponsored by 212. She was encouraged to show her "beautiful animal drawing" to the local news reporter who stopped by .... 3 days later, she appeared in the Ann Arbor News. She is still proud of that opportunity. She felt empowered.

One of her favorite experiences was the "Animation Camp". She created stop-motion video under the direction of the most talented teacher - Meghan. After camp, we bought some clay and still we create videos at home.

212 Arts made her a stronger person.

My older daughter was born with a pencil and notebook in her hand. :) She has taken drawing classes at 212 arts but, has always been quite reserved about sharing her art. Keith, one of the teachers, recently reviewed many of her recent art works. He spent one-on-one time giving her honest feedback. Soon after that visit, Madison took a big step towards believing in her art.

212 Arts helped her believe in her unique self.

I have had many classes at 212. I have made mobiles, pottery, knitted, made jewelry, etc. But, two classes really standout.
One of my most favorite classes was with Meghan. (yes, that same amazing Meghan) We made our own silk-screen and silk-screened T shirts!!! I have never laughed so much in a class and ...... I loved my t shirt!!!
The other class that was a riot and hugely successful was the "Make PJ's" class. Each of us created PJ bottoms out of the coolest fabric. Great fun!!!

and we can't leave out Dad .... both my daughters attended a camp that ended with a play to celebrate dads! Sam will always remember the special tribute by both of the girls.

Finally ... this all began when we met Margie, the director. I specifically remember when the girls and I were just leaving after our first visit .... Sully turned to me and said .... "Wow, she made me feel 10 feet tall!"

Now that's cool.

212 Arts is so much more than an Art Center ... it is a real caring community. It has made Saline an Art City.

Two Twelve Art Center is wonderful! I found it when I was wasn't even looking and since then I was hooked! The programs they offer cover a wide range, there is always something great going on. The people are really wonderful and very welcoming. It is really a great community place. I would recommend it to anyone.

212 Is AMAZING!!!!
I was introduced to 212 by a relative roughly three years ago and it is still making an impact on my life. In the past I have been involved in our town's Park & Rec, Adult Ed and various other programs which have been nice, but cannot compare to 212's programs and personel. One is captured by the energy, friendliness, warmth and overall positive attitude walking through the door. I thought to myself how can it get any better..... just wait it does!!! Over the years I have taken a good number of classes from tie dying to pottery making and I'm scheduled to take a fused glass class in mid March. I live an hour drive away from 212 and normally WOULD NOT make the drive for any class, but like I said 212 IS NOT YOUR NORMAL PROGRAM! The class size has never been too large and I have always received the personal attention I have needed in all the classes. 212 has a way of making you feel like family even if it's your first visit. It is because of this and the Wide variety of classes, the resonable fees, and the sense of confidence that is instilled by the instructors that I am willing to drive two hours round trip to be involved in 212's programs. Each season I look forward to receiving their brochure which is a feast for the eyes. I savor each page and try to decide what new class(es) to take or which one I want to repeat......they are that good! So thank you 212, because of you I am now more willing to try something outside my 'comfort zone'. Kimberly

I lived in Saline for 2 years before I realized there were other artists in this town. What Two Twelve has done is network me with many artists
in my community! They were here, we just didn't have a institution to bring us all together!
Two Twelve is now reaching out beyond the artist community to include other institutions like our library and the cities after school child care program!

I have taken several classes at 212 and they are nothing short of superb. In addition I have attended many art openings, purchased art and participated in 212 events. In short, 212 Arts Center is the core of culture in Saline. Many of the key artistic collaborations in the Saline area recently have eminated from the direction of 212. It has made such a significant and irreplaceable difference in the quality of life for so many citizens in our town! Everyone is included and invited to participate in as large or little a way as they wish and is appreciated enthusiastically for their efforts.

My experience with the Two Twelve Arts Center has been nothing short of wonderful. It is a beacon for artists, collectors of art and students of art.
This facility provides a place where people can meet to learn about art, buy art and be inspired by art. Students of all ages can take classes in clay, painting, fiber arts, glass and many more mediums. The staff, instructors and volunteers provide a professional and friendly atmosphere that is inviting and welcoming. Two Twelve Arts Center has definitely filled a void for the Saline Community and we are very fortunate to have the Center in our area.

As artists looking to get our work out to the public the Two Twelve Arts Center was wonderful enough to have our work in their show. They sold our products for us and were gracious enough to allow us their venue to showcase our work. This was our best show to date! Thank you the Cowan Slavin Foundation Corp. for supporting the Two Twelve Arts Center.

Branch Wood Works

I (and my kids) have taken several classes at 212 over the past three years. They offer a wonderfully diverse range of classes and the environment is top notch. 212 is very welcoming to artists of all levels and interests and I've made several good friends here. Thank you!

I'm from out of town, and have visited 212 Arts many times over the years. The sheer number and breadth of classes it offers rivals much older, larger academies in cities of a million or more. It has become the cozy nucleus of an amazingly diverse and talented local arts community. Truly a cultural jewel that makes Saline special.

Aside from the richness of the artwork, the real beauty of the Two Twelve Arts Center is the wonderful blend of talent that it continues to attract, even those of the "would be" and "wannabe" variety. From its inception, the Two Twelve Arts Center has been a creative enclave for artists all across the area, offering them a safe and nurturing haven where they can showcase their talents in various forms of media. Just as importantly, it has become a model nonprofit citizen, attracting top-notch talent to its environs while helping develop local interest and appreciation for the arts and the cultural community.