B.WELL Foundation

Creative Kicks 👟🎨

After school clubs give students the chance to learn, create, and grow through discovery in ways that feel exciting and fun. Our goal is to connect students with local artists, community leaders, and entrepreneurs who want to mentor the next generation.

This year, our commitment to Des Moines Public Schools has been providing daily K–5 after school programming at Hillis Elementary that supports both district curriculum and students’ academic and social-emotional growth.

Creative Coaches is built around student voice and connection. At the end of every session, we ask students what they want to learn, create, and experience next — and Creative Kicks was one unanimous choice this round. 🫡

Over several weeks, students learned the value of patience, long term planning, and creative problem solving as they moved from sketching ideas, to painting flat canvas, to transforming their designs onto 3D shoes. They explored layering techniques, stencils, brush styles, and different painting approaches while bringing their ideas to life.

It’s beautiful to see your confidence grow as you practice problem solving, express yourselves creatively, and take pride in creating something completely your own, friends. 🌿

🎨
📸 .briddell