Categories
Connection Kindness Reflection Uncategorized

A Ripple of Kindness: A Perfect End to the Year

A colorful circle made of mosaic pieces with the word kindness written in blakAs the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on an unexpected moment that embodies everything The Community Circle Project was built upon: connection, kindness, and the belief that we all share a common humanity.

Recently, I parked my car near a local coffee shop, looking forward to a fun conversation with a friend. When I returned, I noticed a note tucked under my windshield wiper. My heart sank—what now? But as I opened the note, I was met with an unexpected act of grace.

A man who had accidentally hit my car didn’t just leave an apology. He went above and beyond. He filed a police report at the station across the street, ensuring everything was documented. Then he waited—yes, waited—for me to return so he could personally take responsibility, apologize, and reassure me that he would work with me to address the damage.

I could have been upset about the inconvenience of dealing with insurance claims or the damage to my car. But instead, I was moved by his kindness and accountability and I in turn responded with understanding, acknowledging that these things happen. (Perhaps I had been prepared for this by a previous dent put into my car a few months ago by a different driver in a different location who did not leave a note and just left.)

In a world where it’s often easier to walk away or avoid discomfort, this man chose integrity. It was a simple yet profound reminder of the power of approaching every situation with kindness as our goal.

What if we all did this? What if, no matter the situation, we made kindness our guiding principle? What kind of world would we create?

This incident feels like the perfect way to close out the year and reengage with the mission of The Community Circle Project: to show how deeply we are all connected and how much we share the same desires for understanding, compassion, and connection in our lives.

It’s also a timely reflection as my hometown celebrates its kindness theme with community read activities. The family workshop inspired by Alma Thomas’s circle art that I’m teaching  January 18, 2025 at the Attleboro Arts Museum also will remind us that, like her bold, colorful circles, our actions ripple out into the world. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, can inspire others to do the same.

As we step into the new year, let’s carry this spirit of connection and kindness with us. Whether it’s owning up to a mistake, supporting a neighbor, or simply sharing a smile, every act counts. Together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate world.

Here’s to a new year filled with kindness and the belief that we are all part of something greater—a circle that connects us all.

Categories
Connection Presentation Reflection

Great event at Seekonk Public Library

I had a great time presenting The Community Circle Project at the Seekonk Public Library on April 28, thanks to funding from the Seekonk Cultural Council. Also, thank you to The Seekonk Reporter for featuring me and the project on the April cover.

Families and adults were invited to participate in two virtual evening sessions. We took time to reflect on kindness, talked about its meaning to each of us on a personal level and considered ways we could show kindness to ourselves as well as to others.

A few of the circles we made during the art engagement are included here above and below.

Categories
Connection

Charter Oak International Academy in West Hartford, Conn.

Penelope Drown, a visual arts teacher at Charter Oak International Academy in West Hartford, Conn., engaged her students in grades three to five to participate in The Community Circle Project. Her students cut out their circles, glued them to watercolor paper and added an orbital pattern inspired by artist Alma Woodsey Thomas. Here are some of their circles, which beautifully focus on positive mindset.

 

 

Categories
Connection Presentation Uncategorized

Seekonk Public Library multigenerational event

I am so excited to share that the Seekonk Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council have awarded me a grant to facilitate The Community Circle Project at the invitation of host  Seekonk Public Library in Massachusetts. The free virtual event will be on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. There will be two sessions, one for families and children at 5 p.m., and one for adults at 6:30 p.m.

The program will be held virtually via Zoom and is open to adults and families with children of all ages.

Participants in both sessions will engage in the relaxing project that I created that uses art making and conversation to build a sense of community. Using the simple shape of a circle and basic drawing supplies, we will create art that reflects our thoughts or feelings and shows us how we are connected to each other.

No art experience is necessary. Registration is required. Space is limited. All are welcome. I would love to see you there.

I am so thankful to the Seekonk Public Library for hosting this event and to the Seekonk Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council for providing funding for the program. I want to especially thank Sharon Clarke (librarian, youth services) and Michelle Gario (senior librarian, adult services) for inviting me.

Categories
Connection DEI Reflection Social justice

Anniversary of The Community Circle Project debut

In the summer of 2019, I was asked to design an art engagement for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. event that is presented by the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Committee of Greater Attleboro (Mass.). In response, I created The Community Circle Project to remind us all of our common humanity in the spirit of Dr. King and his dream for the world.

The project debuted at the 2020 event. The paintings that I created incorporating the work of the event participants were supposed to be exhibited in person, but the pandemic has put that on hold for now. So, I created this virtual reveal, part of which was shown at the organization’s 2021 virtual event on Jan. 18, 2021.

Fingers crossed that people will get to see the paintings in person sooner than later. In the meantime, this video presents an overview of the start of my contribution to the world. I believe that we can work together to make this the best place for all of us to thrive.

The Community Circle Project has grown and transformed since its debut, with the addition of facilitated conversation around important issues that illuminate the art making.

I facilitate virtual workshops as well as the creation of a large-scale collaborative paintings with corporate teams, community groups or nonprofits. Please contact me, if you are interested in booking an engagement—for fun art making, relationship building and support of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

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