January 2026

This month, Art with a Heart scholars joyfully returned to their classrooms after winter break. Students had a renewed sense of commitment and focus as they tackled their newest artistic endeavors. Our artists enjoyed an array of mediums this month, including collage, paper mache, watercolor paints, and oil pastels. To honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, students crafted thoughtful diversity collages—artworks that encouraged reflection on identity, inclusion, and the strength found in community. And, while it may be snow season, some of our older adult students looked toward spring with watercolor flower paintings inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe.

Community Service and Public Art

January is always a busy month at Art with a Heart, as many organizations look to give back in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. In the first two weeks of January, the Community Art and Service team engaged 400 service group volunteers across eight different organizations garnering nearly 600 hours of additional volunteer support to the organization. A Day of Service highlight was the meaningful, "Sustainable Cities" event in collaboration with Constellation. Constellation employees and their student mentees created colorful city blocks using only recycled materials. Many thanks to the dozens of Art with a Heart volunteers who have helped to facilitate these service groups. We wouldn't be able to do it without your support!

HeARTwares has been hit by Cupid! From fun and inviting Valentine’s Day décor to handcrafted gifts that ooze “You are Loved,” the shop is full of heartfelt finds. Come by and shop for that perfect something, made especially for you by Art with a Heart's talented workforce apprentices.

Neighboring High School students from the Academy for College and Career Exploration (ACCE) got a sneak peek of their new and exciting Digital Design after-school program. Students enjoyed experimenting with 3D printer pens, exploring the power of symmetry using the WeaveSilk platform, and discovering the innovation that happens when creativity and computers collide!

This month, Art of Leadership students explored Health Disparities and were joined by alumna, Sophia Idrissou from Cohort 6, who was visiting her sisters, current Fellows, Yamina and Yassira. The group enjoyed an educational exercise facilitated by Perri Carroll from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity. Students recreated Baltimore communities with Legos and analyzed the lasting health disparities caused by redlining. After this activity, students traveled to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, where they learned about the Center’s history, toured its facilities, and completed Stop the Bleed training. Another highlight was Yamina and Yassira’s presentation on their dream company, Right to Health, focused on providing preventative health screenings and education to underserved communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Thank you Volunteers!

January was a busy month with wonderful volunteers and service groups. Art with a Heart is grateful to those who shared their time and talent with the organization during this month, including: BCPS FALS, Boys Latin School, CCBC PSFALS, Friends School, Reading Partners, St. Timothy's School, University of Baltimore Alumni Association, Mayfield Woods Middle School, St. Paul's School, and House of Ruth Maryland.

Impressionists!

Ready to do some good and have some artsy fun? Art with a Heart’s young professional group, The Impressionists, meets monthly at our Mill No. 1 office for hands-on volunteering that makes a real impact. One month you might be assembling classroom materials, the next you’re helping prep for a community art project — there’s always something creative (and fun!) happening.

These casual, after-work volunteer nights are all about connecting with great people, rolling up your sleeves, and making art-powered change together. Come once or come every month — either way, you’ll leave feeling energized and inspired. To learn more, email jess@artwithaheart.net - fourth Thursday of each month, 5:30–7:30pm, Art with a Heart | Mill No. 1.

Correction. The subject line quote on December 2025 newsletter was credited to AWAH Teacher, Corrine. The correct name of our wonderful teacher is Connie.