February 2024

February brought an abundance of artistic opportunities for students participating in Art with a Heart classes - from honoring Black History Month, to embracing the last remnants of winter, and celebrating Valentine's Day! At the Bentalou Recreation Center, students expertly crafted their own paper mittens. Meanwhile, at Beechfield Elementary School, students admired the works of influential artists Kimmy Cantrell and Jean Michel Basquiat. In the spirit of the holiday, students at Dr. Bernard Harris Elementary School tapped into their creative side and designed their own Valentine's Day illustrations. Even our youngest students at the Moravia Park Judy Center had a memorable experience, stamping their own aprons and learning about heart-healthy recipes in a special Mommy & Me class. As we anticipate the arrival of spring, our classes have been abuzz with excitement - from creating model magic ladybugs at the Child First Authority program at Liberty Elementary School, to crafting beautiful paper flowers at the University of Maryland Baltimore Community Engagement Center.

As the month of February began, the HeARTworks team bid a heartfelt farewell to our beloved Project SEARCH participants as they embark on their third workplace rotation. Meanwhile, the talented team from Baltimore Transition Connection continues to amaze us with their unique and dynamic creations, including our new line of graffiti-inspired umbrellas. Also during February, Art with a Heart launched its Design Studio Classes at Towanda Recreation Center. Adding to our busy schedule, the organization participated in the 15th B'more Healthy Fair, where we not only showcased our beautiful wares but also engaged the community in an exciting art project. Attendees of all ages joined in the fun, painting gorgeous butterflies that will soon be incorporated into a vibrant mural at the William S. Baer School.

Special Projects

Art with a Heart staff and volunteers continue to work at William Paca Elementary School beautifying the 2nd and 4th floor hallways with colorful geometric shapes. The designs offer students a vibrant and celebratory environment in which to learn and grow. Also this month, students at Talbott Springs Elementary School under-glazed their clay flowers in preparation for a ceramic mural to be installed in their school garden.

Art of Leadership

Cohort 9 discovered the rich tapestry of Baltimore's cultural heritage at the Baltimore Immigration Museum, a sanctuary once bustling with up to 50 immigrants at a time. It now standing as a testament to resilience and diversity. What truly resonated was the profound engagement of students, whose insightful questions reflected a genuine desire to understand and empathize with the immigrant experience.

Community Service & Public Art

Representatives from Constellation Energy, Ronald McDonald House, and Art with a Heart came together in early February to reveal a stunning mosaic project. The project was completed by leadership teams from Constellation and Art with a Heart volunteers. The artwork showcases beloved Baltimore row homes, vibrant kites, and the clear blue skies of the city.

As noted above, Art with a Heart launched a community art project with the stakeholders of the Baltimore Washington Medical Center. When completed, the installation will be a lasting tribute to the Medical Center’s healthcare workers and support staff who tirelessly gave their care, love, and attention to the Baltimore/Washington community during the COVID-19 pandemic.The design includes mandalas (signifying the transformation of a universe of suffering into one of joy), trees (symbols of strength, calmness, and growth), and leaves (representing diversity and interconnectedness, as each leaf is unique yet connected to the branches and tree as a whole). Stay tuned for progress photos!

Thank You Volunteers!

Art with a Heart is grateful for those who shared their time and talent with Art with a Heart during the month of February: T Rowe Price, Mercy Medical Center , St. Ignatius School, Penn Mar, Towson University ASR Sorority,

Travelers Insurance, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, St. Timothy's School, Oxford Club Group and our wonderful cadre of regulars who show up each week to help with any and all needs of the organization. Thank you all!

Impressionists!

On February 22, Art with a Heart welcomed another wonderful group of volunteers for our monthly Impressionists Meetup. The Impressionists connect at Art with a Heart to create art, prep for classroom projects, organize supplies and lots, lots more. One Impressionist said, "I love this kind of volunteering. Tonight, I cut ribbons into strips and did some coloring and it was so relaxing. And, coming by myself is not scary. Thanks for creating such a nice way to give back." We hope you will consider joining the group!!! For more information, please reach out to amylangrehr@artwithaheart.net The next Impressionists Meetups are the evenings of March 28, April 18, May 16 and June 27.