MAKER Break, the creative makerspace program developed by The Étude Group’s IDEAS Academy and The ARTery of the John Michael Kohler Art Center, was a featured program at the August 11th Levitt Amp Sheboygan Summer Music Series. 

The evening’s headlining performance by Rebirth Brass Band entertained the crowd with their combination of traditional New Orleans brass band music, funk, jazz, soul, and hip hop. MAKER Break built upon the great music by providing materials for kids to create their own instruments. Everyone’s toes were tapping and imaginations working as the music inspired many awesome, musical creations.

Area students participated this summer in MAKER Break’s wide range of activities at IDEAS Academy and The ARTery. Programs included circuitry, contact mic building, screen printing, performance, and block carving. Weekly open studio opportunities were also available. Several of the students that participated this summer joined program leaders Peter Woods and Craig Grabhorn at Thursday night’s activity to engage concert goers.

The Étude Group will return to the Levitt Amp series on Thursday, August 18th. Hands-on activities will include Lego Robotics, journal making, and found word poetry. IDEAS Academy’s portable shelter will also be at the event. Work on the portable shelter is almost complete, and it will soon travel to Racine, WI where it will provide a home to a U.S. veteran.

The creative process of making is a critical part of student success at The Étude Group. We were excited to share this with the community and proud to be included in the Levitt Amp series at the John Michael Kohler Art Center.