ABOUT US
Exploring the Arts-Huron County is a non-profit arts camp for students from 7 to 14 years old, held each August in Huron County, Michigan. It encourages students to experience many different kinds of art from painting, fiber arts, drama, music, dance, writing (poetry or songs), drawing, sun prints or cyanotype developing, making ocean drums, mosaics, nature drawing/painting and journaling. Our teachers all have extensive backgrounds working with young people and most are current or retired school teachers. The last day of camp culminates with an art show of each student's work and performances in drama, dance and music. Former students have discovered new interests and talents and have continued to pursue them through school and extra-curricular opportunities. Please help us offer students a path to develop their creativity and explore the arts.
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Registration is now closed
Camper Registration Forms:
Send completed forms to
Exploring the Arts – Huron County, 4910 BillieLynn Rd, Caseville, MI 48725, or email to [email protected] Contact UsEmail UsCall Us at 1-313-971-2497 | ||||||||
We are a non profit organization and rely on the help from individual and business supporters. If you would like to donate to our camp, please click the link above. We use these funds for camp supplies, teacher stipends and camper scholarships. If you are a business and would like to be a camp sponsor, check out this information below! Thank you for your support!
Meet our Founder
Laurie Cook
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My name is Laurie Cook and I am the dreamer behind this whole idea. With the support of an incredible husband and some dedicated friends that dream is becoming a reality. I have been sketching and drawing since I was about 8 years old and involved in art in some way shape or form ever since. In my high school years I was fortunate to attend a school that believed that the Arts & Humanities were just as important as regular academics. Who knew that I would be putting that wonderful education to use in my later years. |
Meet The Teachers/Staff
Kevin Cook
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Hi, I'm Kevin Cook, a retired music teacher from Romulus Community Schools where I taught K-12 music, mostly elementary beginning band and general classroom music. I currently teach music at the learning center and I teach private lessons on piano and band instruments. I believe all of the arts are important for children to learn to express themselves, appreciate new things, develop new skills and to have fun. |
Jenny Turner
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Hi! My name is Jenny Turner. I am an art educator and artist specializing in acrylic painting. I teach DK-8 grades and have my own company, TurnerArts, through which I have taught many people of all ages and abilities, how to paint and explore their creativity. I am a wife and mother of 3 and I enjoy spending time watching my kids in all their activities, being in nature, and gardening. |
Autumn Swartzendruber
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My name is Autumn Swartzendruber and I am currently the Pre-K through 6th grade art teacher for Bad Axe Public Schools and the art teacher at Ascent High School. My favorite art media include acrylic paint, pencil, charcoal, watercolor, oil paint, pen and ink, gouache, and digital art. In my spare time I enjoy creating art, playing the ukulele, and spending time with my family. |
Beth Brilinski
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Owner of Centered By Sound and co-founder of The Treehouse Yoga Studio in Bad Axe, Beth combines mindfulness practices with creative self-expression using observations, movement, memories, and imagination. |
Patt Bennett
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As a lifelong facilitator of the Arts, Patt's free-spirited nature led her from the Detroit area to Northern Michigan, Oregon, New Mexico, and Mexico. She has managed galleries, assisted artists and created alongside internationally known artists. She now resides in Caseville, always enjoying the Bay and Lake Huron. Patt teaches plein air, watercolor & acrylic painting at various places in the Thumb. As a full time artist/painter she delights in sharing the joy of paint & color with the intention of creating work that draws a viewer in, pulls them closer and surprises once they are there.
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Stephanie Segroves
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My name is Stephanie Segroves and I’m a Spanish and Theatre teacher at Lakers. I am so excited to be part of this great camp this year! I have directed many plays at Lakers and love to see kids grow through the process. Theatre is all about the skills we learn as we’re having fun and telling stories! |
Olivia Speare
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Hello everyone, my name is Olivia Speare. I'm from the beautifull small town of Caseville, where I graduated from and returned to work as the art teacher! I attended Washtenaw Community College, where I earned my associates degree in Graphic Design and a visual arts degree, so that I could live out my dreams of teaching and spreading my love for art to students. I never thought I would be here and be given the opportunity to live out my dream, but now that I am, I couldn't see it any other way. I am beyond excited to join the Exploring the Arts of Huron County family and continue to expose children to the arts! |
Ruud Zwemmer
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My name is Ruud Zwemmer, I live in the Elkton area, and I was talked into helping out in this project back in 2023. No regrets. I’ve always liked drawing and I’ve dabbled in theater, so it’s very enjoyable and rewarding to be able to help this dedicated group of people, where I can, to make a fun summer program for kids to enjoy the arts as well. |
Meet the Board
Kevin Cook; President;
music/band educator.
Laurie Cook; Treasurer;
art educator, retired teacher and business owner.
Autumn Swartzendruber; Secretary; art educator
Suzanne Hayes; retired art educator and president of Thumb Arts Guild.
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Jenny Turner; art educator and co-owner of TurnerArts
Chase Murphy; singer/songwriter; degree in media and digital arts
Nancy Penfold; masters of human resources and kid/art supporter
Rodney Terwilliger; educator and MFA in drama/theatre
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Registration is now closed.
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