Upcycle ~ Arts Meets Activism

i was recently awarded an Art Meets Activism grant by the Kentucky Foundation for Women. with support from the foundation i will spend this year raising awareness and money for Operation Care’s transitional housing program for women and mothers with children in Shelbyville, KY.

i will produce a book, album, workshop and event all called Upcycle. Each aspect of the project promotes Upcycling in the literal sense of using rescued or repurposed materials to make a valuable piece of art or furniture, as well as the more cerebral sense of breaking cycles of abuse and trauma by using one’s own voice for art-making.

Upcycle the book will collect my complete lyrics and a personal narrative of how i found my voice and used it to break cycles.

Upcycle the album will kick off the project of recording my songs, beginning with some of the ones that steered me in my life.

Upcycle the workshop will be on-going, and will impart to the women in the program skills they can use to supplement their income as they grow as independent beings, fortified by the support of Operation Care and this community.

Upcycle the event will take place July 23, 2022 at Operation Care Resale Shop 708 Main St., Shelbyville, KY.  It will feature upcycled art and furniture for sale by local artists and artisans to benefit the transitional housing program. The women currently in housing will auction a group piece they make together at the inaugural workshop. Meet the artists and maybe they will share some of their secrets. Buy fresh baked goods at our bake sale. Buy local art. Get to know the mission of Operation Care. Upcycle!

If you would like to upcycle work for the benefit, sponsor, bake or volunteer in another way email Bree at greenpandapress@gmail.com with Upcycle as subject.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *