About Above the Clouds
Incorporated in 2001, Above the Clouds, Inc. is a non-profit, faith-based, free, creative arts program, which originated to reach disadvantaged children ages 5-17 years old in the Milwaukee area who would otherwise not have the means, or opportunity to participate in such programs.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) serving the youth of Milwaukee's city center since 2002.
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Since the first art class in the fall of 2002, our goal has been to expand our students' minds to the world of art for personal growth as well as to create a desire to pursue a career in the arts.
By using visual and movement arts classes Above the Clouds is providing growth opportunities for participating youth to learn self-discipline, self-control and achieve a higher level of self-esteem; thereby helping young people to become contributing family members and community leaders. Dance, music, theater and visual arts activities enhance our communities and culture through museums, theatres, concerts halls and galleries. Educationally, the arts define our students and their creativity. We desire to unlock the creative potential in every child to be an artist.
With the ending of after school arts programs in the Milwaukee Public Schools, parents are looking for a safe and positive place for their children to go, not just to hang out but to experience new levels of accomplishments in their lives.
While no family will be turned away, Above the Clouds focuses its efforts at assessing needs and implementing outreach to Milwaukee's at-risk youth in the inner city. Few services exist in the city's central neighborhoods to strengthen families.
Above The Clouds History
The Visionaries of this organization were Linda Wade and Barbara Melsheimer who felt led to bring forth a well grounded, quality, faith-based creative arts/movement program. Linda felt that all children should be able to experience the world of art regardless of race, background or ability.
Linda Wade has been actively involved in many forms of art since 1989 as an artist painting in oil on stretch canvas having some of her work showned at places such as: Firstar Bank, Waupun First Gallery, Channel 10/36 Auction, & a host of private showings. In 1991 Linda studies ballet at the William Riley Ballet Academy in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Ballet & Dance Works and eventually joining Dance Eternal in 1996. After joining Dance Eternal, she was invited to join the lead dancer (Kim Brunner) in a ministry trip to the women's prision in Texas with a group from all around the USA. After talking with the women in prison, Linda soon realized that most of their trouble started when they were children. "I wanted to do something so that our children in Milwaukee would have a safe place where they could express themselves as well as feel the love of Christ".
What makes us different?
We offer the arts/movement to children with a positive message, that is “It’s good to expand your mind and express yourselves by being creative” and in a safe and inspirational setting.
Children who participate in programs offered by Above The Clouds are inspired to appreciate the arts, participate in the arts professionally or personally and grow spiritually.
Why Above the Clouds?
Art is a language that all people speak, and it cuts across racial, cultural, social, educational and economic barriers.
- Our instructors are not only professionally trained in the fields that they teach, but they also represent a wide range of ethnic background, gender and faith.
- Our programs are specially designed to appeal to youth ages 5-17. No matter where our children are starting from, our programs enhance cultural appreciation and awareness of the arts.
- Our programs integrate biblical teachings that focus on character development.