Our Story Begins Here

Our History

Kaleo Arts began as a worship arts program for 45 kids at Kensington Church in Troy, MI in 2002 called “New Community Kids.” Renee Mulliniks, who had been a student in the original Kensington School of the Arts in the late 90s, returned after graduating from Belmont University in Nashville to serve part-time as a music teacher. Within a few years, the program grew into “K-Rock,” a high-energy performing arts experience that expanded across multiple Kensington campuses, and eventually evolved into what is now Kaleo Arts. As Renee stepped into greater leadership, she discovered her passion for building teams, welcoming students, and helping young people grow in confidence through the arts — inspired by her own journey of overcoming severe stage fright and vocal health challenges that shaped her identity and faith.

Today, Kaleo Arts continues to encourage students to nurture their gifts, not for personal spotlight, but to serve and lift others up with purpose and joy. Through donor-supported initiatives (as a branch partner of Abide Ministries), we now partner with the local Pontiac School District, serving over one thousand students weekly with supplemental performing arts programs, along with after-school classes and songwriting opportunities for K–12th graders. While our reach has grown — including launching Spark Camps across the U.S. in cities like Los Angeles and New York, and internationally in Brazil and Vancouver — our heart remains the same: connecting faith and creativity each summer through Spark Camp. Kaleo Arts is what it is today because of our incredible team of passionate teachers and staff who love helping creative students discover their confidence and shine — and we are excited about what the future holds.