Having Kelly and Keegan's Krew join us at the Art Garage has really given us the chance to work on connecting to another purpose in our art and activities, that of building more positive emotions and character in ourselves. Keegan's Krew is all about being Kind, and so we at the Art Garage and Center for Creative Learning have created a new focus on being an Ambassador for Kindness in our community. The Community House and the Art Garage base their programming on building character and self-awareness. We particularly like the Virtues Project. So we have started our path to creating a whole community of Ambassadors of Kindness. It is a wonderful sight to see, as we start to recognize the good in each other and realize that it is only through bringing more goodness into our own lives that we can spread this goodness throughout our community and the world. This Wednesday the Art Garage will be hosted at the Community House as we celebrate the completion of 381 days of peaceful demonstration by Gabe Trevino. Check it out on our Events Page. And remember, Always Be Kind.
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Memorial Day weekend was filled with activity. We hosted our Art Garage at the Community House and then continued to paint, tie-dye and play for the next two days. We had planned on painting a mural on our Friday afternoon session, but it was a dreary rainy afternoon. So instead we pivoted in place and the mural was painted on Sunday after we had completed our now FIVE garden boxes. I know a big part of creating together is for each artist to see what he or she is capable of creating. It feels good to look at a finished project and say, "I created that." Taking pride in our work is important. Today, we live in such a fast paced, and often throw away culture. I see the kids in school do a project for class, get their grade and then throw their work in the garbage. Is that the value we want to instill? What about pride in our work and our workmanship. Seeing our work in front of us, and showing it to the world is more reflective of how we can live and participate in life in a meaningful way. So, I especially like that our latest painting project is so visible. A mural on the side of our Shop Co-Op that draws attention to our community garden. The finished product is beautiful, and more important it is a reminder to all those who participated that they are an important member of our neighborhood. It is meaningful to feel a part of a neighborhood, and there is not better way to feel a part of, than to see yourself in the space around you. I love that the Art Garage community is embracing the Community House as a space of their own. Next up- The Shop Co-OP! The good news is that I believe we have found a perfect connection in Jason Pickles, founder of the handyman service "Everything Under the Roof". He has some incredible connections to our community, and was one of the co-founders of the non-profit Neighborhood Heroes! What an incredible synchronicity it was meeting him in the East Peoria Thornton's! The universe does indeed work in mysterious ways. |
Abigail LarrisonEducator, Scientist and Art Maker. The purpose of all life is to spread joy. What brings more joy than making art? Archives
November 2023
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