Project: Nature’s Canvas: Grow Your Tomorrow
Studio.89 used their Fall 2023 Community Activation MicroGrant to produce the Nature’s Canvas: Grow Your Tomorrow program in June and July 2024, which successfully combined art, nature, and mental wellness into a free, week-long workshop. Overwhelmingly positive participant interest led to an extension of the program from 5 days to 7 days.
The series of workshops, held at Studio.89, featured seven artist facilitators covering a multitude of disciplines: pottery making, painting, creative writing, and therapeutic sessions. Instructors included Mehreen Hasan, Carla Gonzalez-Casanova, Paul Edward Costa, Maire-Line Hurley, Hibah Mian, Caterina Sauro, and Queti Azurin. These workshops empowered 50 young individuals to express emotions through sustainable artistic practices like painting and gardening, while fostering a connection with nature.
A standout outcome was the public art installation, where participants curated and displayed their flower pots on the café’s patio. This vibrant exhibition allowed the community to engage with the project, fostering collective creativity and raising awareness around mental health.
The project’s impact extended beyond the workshops, as it sparked meaningful conversations about mental health and the need for accessible support within the community. By immersing participants in nature and artistic expression, we created a positive, healing environment that reinforced the importance of mental well-being.
Studio.89
