Cookies, Cranes & Curiosity: A Look Ahead to 2026 💛

We’re stepping into 2026 with open hearts and open doors. Rooted in Detroit and shaped by the people who pass through it, Kintsugi Village keeps growing right alongside our community. Each day, the building feels a little more alive—more laughter echoing down the hallways, more ideas taking shape, more moments of connection unfolding. From Kintsugi Kids receiving the thoughtful, joy-filled early childhood education they deserve, to local artists preparing to bring our studios to life, to neighbors and organizations gathering to plan, celebrate, rest, and dream together—The Village is coming alive in the most beautiful ways.

We’re growing right along with our kiddos! As we add new classrooms and welcome more little learners, Kintsugi Village School continues enrolling students throughout the year, with our biggest enrollment season happening now through the summer for families planning a Fall 2026 start—when we’ll be joyfully buzzing at full capacity.

One of our favorite additions to the school—introduced in late 2025 and continuing into this year—has been our guest teaching  experiences. Our little learners have been painting with visiting artists, stretching through yoga, and even meeting live reptiles! Watching curiosity spark, questions bloom, and confidence grow reminds us daily why this work matters so much. 

In the classroom, our amazing teachers are following children’s curiosity and turning it into meaningful, hands-on learning. Recently, our learners dove into a new KWL (Know, Want to Know, Learned) chart all about winter animals, quickly gravitating toward bears and using loose parts to create bear faces—strengthening creativity and fine motor skills along the way. A visit from GP Zoology brought animals like a chinchilla, a tortoise, and a snake into the classroom, sparking wide-eyed wonder and rich conversations that continued as children charted how many legs different animals have. Sensory play carried the learning further through painted paw prints and playdough creations, while literacy was gently woven in as children traced the letters of their names using loose parts, building recognition and confidence through play.

Beyond the classroom, excitement is growing around our retreat/meeting spaces. We’ve been hearing from community members who need a place to gather, and we can’t wait to welcome folks in—whether you’re coming to rest, create, reflect, or reconnect.

Up on the second floor, our artist hub is getting ready to hum with creativity. With individual studios, a gallery, and a shared makers’ space, artists will have room to explore photography, ceramics, painting, and more. We’ll also be sharing tools and knowledge around the business side of art—because artists deserve sustainable, thriving careers right here at home.

And just this week, cranes lifted kitchen equipment into place on the third floor—and suddenly, we could imagine it all. The smell of fresh bread. Pizza shared at long tables. Kids baking cookies and learning where food comes from. This culinary kitchen will be a place to gather, taste, and learn, offering community cooking classes and hands-on training for future chefs. Right next door, our largest rentable event space—with its sunny patio overlooking beautiful Michigan Central —is ready to host summer meals, celebrations, and shared moments. We have a feeling it’s going to be a favorite. Oh how we can’t wait for summer…

Outdoors, our Village continues to grow and breathe. The Kintsugi Garden now has fencing and garden beds in place, and our SUGi pocket forest will keep flourishing as spring and summer arrive. New wayfinding signage invites visitors to slow down, learn, and explore—connecting with the land and benefits it holds.

From expanding our early childhood education center to dreaming up new programs and shared spaces, everything we’re building reflects the voices, needs, and hopes of the people who make Detroit what it is. In the video below, you’ll hear from members of our community—like MiVida Burros, Lead Consultant at Mondo Unlimited—whose words remind us that we’re stronger when we move together.

Here, community isn’t an add-on — it’s the heart of everything we do. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, we honor every story and every connection, believing that beauty grows through care, repair, and showing up for one another. Listening closely, leading with respect, and practicing reciprocity guide our days in the Village.

Here’s to a year of shared dreams, deeper connections, and a Village that truly belongs to all of us.