Keweenaw Krayons began in the summer of 98 when Carol Rose , owner of the Ramblin’ Rose Garden Gallery, found kids hanging out at her gallery. In exchange for getting her garden planted and weeded, they got use of her back room and art supplies as well as instruction from watercolor artist, Renee' Stemler.

When winter came and the weeds were hidden Carol didn’t want classes to stop so she called on Kathy McEvers, coordinator of Keweenaw County Kermit’s Kids, and got enough money for six kids to take watercolor classes on Saturdays with Renee'.

Word spread and before winter was over more than 100 local youth had participated in classes.  They also continued to 'hang out' during the regular operating hours of the gallery.  Carol then brought them  together to decide on a name and the program continued to grow. It is currently supported through funding and support from grants as well as corporate and individual donations, (see Sponsors Page) and the sale of cards, postcards and calendars made from the kid’s artwork and kid’s original art.

Because of the needs of the community, Keweenaw Krayons provides its programs at low or no cost. This is vital to programs in this area so that the low economic status of the majority will not deprive them of enriching artistic experiences. The staff and board  feel if one person without the necessary funds misses out on the chance to learn more about the arts and feel better about themselves, the program has missed its goal.  For classes with fees, Keweenaw Krayons offers scholarships and bartering. 

Keweenaw Krayons is very much in favor of  participants doing their part from the designing of art for sale and taking part in planning sessions, to students teaching students in art classes and doing regular maintenance in the studio and gardens. The youth and adults are an active part of everything that happens in the program.