Project History
Drawing Together grew out of a social practice project, which examined ways in which art contributes to a culture of health for an individual and a city.
From 2017 – 2019, Drawing Together operated as an art and advocacy project comprised of workshops, which were designed for non-artists, where all are welcome (kids, parents, adults, seniors, non-profit professionals, just to name a few). All workshops were free and open to the public.
This project was created and produced by artist Jamie Crooke Powell
(Workshop #2 Drawing Exercise Outcome)
Project Outcomes:
- Participants surveyed during workshops reported a 25% increase in a positive mood after the drawing exercises.
- 75% of participants plan to increase their art making after the workshop
- Participants also provided personal perspectives:
- “Art is important for me to make in order to keep a positive attitude, and it drastically decreases my mental anxiety.”
- “Art and advocacy is a big part of how we express voice in the community. Through art expression we are able to communicate needs, feelings, and hopes without using words.”
- “Arts matter in our city because it helps people understand others’ thoughts and cultures in a more creative way.”
- “A healthy city supports artistic freedom, addresses community needs, creates a feeling of safety and inclusion and is accessible to all.”
(Workshop #12 Drawing Exercise Outcome)
(Workshop #7 Project Outcome)
Prior Workshops:
September 17, 2019 – Private workshop for at risk teens.
April 17, 2019 – 4:00 – 5:00 pm at the Altadena Library, Speaker: Scott Feldmann, who is a creative consultant, teambuilder, writer, and designer.
March 7, 2019 – 7:00-8:00 pm at the No Future Cafe, Speaker: Katy Robinson, parents, feminist, geographer, and co-founder of PHASIC House of Art and Science in CA.
Jan. 23, 2019 – 4:00-5:00 pm at the Pasadena Central Library, Speaker: Kelly Wood, Founder of SCHOOL Yoga Program
Dec. 19, 2018 – Cancelled…See you after the New Year!
Nov. 14, 2018 – 4:00-5:00 pm at the Pasadena Central Library, Speaker: Estrella Corral, Social Worker with incarcerated youth
Oct. 24, 2018 – 4:00-5:00 pm at the Pasadena Central Library, Speaker: Brian Biery, Artist and Community Builder
March 27, 2018 – In conversation with Artist Anne Bray
February 27, 2018 – In conversation with Program Director at Trust for Public Land, Tori Kjer
January 30, 2018 – In conversation with Sarah Eggers, LMFT, ATR, MFA
November 14, 2017 – In conversation with Director of Day One, Christy Zamani
October 17, 2017 – In conversation with Artist, Allan Nakagawa
September 26, 2017 – In conversation with Art Historian, Parent, and Nonprofit Administrator, Alli Pultz
Exhibition:
May 4, 2018 – 6:00-8:00 pm – Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena, CA
This project was made possible in part by a City of Pasadena Individual Artist Grant from 2017-2018.
