Art for All began five years ago as a community art space and outreach program in West Concord, Massachusetts. During that time, with our collaborative events and public artworks, we have made a tangible, positive difference in people's lives and in the landscape of West Concord.
Art for All is small but mighty! This year we engaged well over 200 volunteers who helped at workshops, created greeting cards and decorated t-shirts that were sold to support the program.
While Art for All has always been committed to strengthening connections and building community, this past fall we responded to national and local concerns of an Epidemic of Loneliness*, with a greater focus on how art and art-making can contribute to positive mental health with our Art for Well-Being project.
We began this fall with Signs of Well-Being. 100 people contributed to repurposing campaign yard signs with images and phrases to spark joy, curiosity and a sense of connection to others and to oneself. Participants included children, teens and seniors, people with cognitive differences, trained artists, and individuals with little or no formal art training.
Among the contributors were the 30 participants and volunteers of our Art for All Abilities program. Thanks to support from individuals, Three Stones Gallery and the Concord Carlisle Community Chest, this past year we went from two to four weekly workshops that engage teens and adults with cognitive differences.
We will continue Art for Well-Being in 2024 with Signs of Life to celebrate our connection with nature as a profound source of healing. Our goal is to have 300 people contribute to the making of 100 repurposed signs to be displayed this May in yards in Concord and surrounding towns.
Connecting is the key! Art for All creates bonds of friendship among participants and brings together community groups. Through the transformative power of art we are cultivating a culture of connection.
