ArtREACH: Local Arts Program Transforms Lives Through Creative Expression

Fergus Falls, MN – At the heart of downtown, the Kaddatz Galleries’ ArtREACH program is proving that art is a powerful tool for personal growth, healing, and community connection. Since its founding by Amanda Callahan, ArtREACH has provided a creative outlet for some of Fergus Falls’ most vulnerable residents, offering a pathway to self-expression and confidence through the arts.

The program serves individuals from local organizations, including The Matthew House, Barbara’s House, A Place to Belong, Productive Alternatives, and the Area Learning Center. Participants, ranging from youth to adults, engage in classes led by professional teaching artists in ceramics, printmaking, painting, and mixed media. For many, these classes are an opportunity not just to create, but to connect, reflect, and grow.

A Safe Space for Self-Expression

“The beauty of ArtREACH is that it’s more than just art classes,” says Michael Weatherly, a teaching artist who leads printmaking workshops. “It’s about helping people express their ideas, experiences, and emotions through creativity. We create a space where everyone can feel heard and valued.”

Naomi RaMona Schliesman, who specializes in printmaking and mixed media, highlights the confidence-building aspect of the program: “When students connect with their art, they experience a sense of accomplishment and self-awareness. It’s incredibly empowering to see them embrace their creativity and feel proud of what they’ve made.”

For Jona Brown, who leads painting classes, the impact is mutual. “I’m often learning from my students too. Their creativity and resourcefulness inspire me, and together we explore new ways to express ourselves through art.”

A Pathway to Confidence and Community

One student from Barabara’s House said “participating in art at the Kaddatz has been meaningful because it provides a creative outlet that helps me express myself, connect with others, and feel part of the community. It fosters personal growth and allows me to explore new ideas and perspectives in a safe and welcoming space. Without access to programs like those at the Kaddatz, many people might miss out on the opportunity to discover or develop their artistic talents.”

ArtREACH provides more than just technical skills—it’s a means for participants to express themselves, build life skills, and gain a sense of belonging. The program culminates each year in an exhibit at the Kaddatz Galleries, where students’ artwork is showcased and celebrated, raising awareness about their talents and experiences.

Thanks to grant funding and support from donors, ArtREACH continues to evolve, serving a growing number of individuals. These resources help ensure that more people in our community can experience the life-changing benefits of creativity. Funding for ArtREACH was provided in part by the West Central Initiative’s Inga M. Johnson Endowment Fund and the Floyd and Harriet Miller Endowment Fund; This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through grants from Lake Region Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.

Through ArtREACH, Kaddatz Galleries is not only fostering artistic talent but also creating stronger bonds within the community, proving that when people are given the opportunity to express themselves, they can thrive. For more information about ArtREACH and how you can help sustain this program, contact the Kaddatz Galleries at (218)998-4405 or via email at: [email protected].

About Kaddatz Galleries

The Kaddatz Galleries is a not-for-profit organization that exists to foster visual arts education and appreciation and to maintain a gallery that celebrates the work of area artists and honors the legacy of Charles Beck. The Kaddatz is in downtown Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Its main gallery presents focused exhibitions and a rotating selection of work by regional artists. Studio K, the Kaddatz’s secondary gallery and community meeting space, displays smaller or more experimental bodies of work by established and emerging artists. There is never a charge to enter the galleries. Additionally, the Kaddatz regularly offers visual arts workshops and other educational opportunities to make art experiences accessible to diverse audiences and participants.