Learning and Growing Together
At ARTS, our “Community of Care” framework serves as a basic foundation for everything we do, from developing programs to fostering a positive work culture and engaging with our South Bay community. This framework is built on the belief that we must first learn to heal ourselves before we can effectively support others. It encourages a strengths-based approach, focusing on the potential and self-identified strengths of individuals rather than imposing our own views and beliefs on what they need. By healing together with our communities, we aim to undo the effects of generational harm and oppression, equipping ourselves with the tools to transform our environments.
Over the last year, our team has expanded exponentially as we welcomed dozens of new teaching artists and program assistants. With a community of so many uniquely talented and creative individuals, we found a way to share our individual skills with the larger team. This spring, we launched our Lunch-and-Learn series, giving team members an opportunity to learn, teach, and share a meal together.
Organized by ARTS People and Culture Coordinator, Ada Shido, we’ve learned an array of new artistic and practical skills from our talented team of teaching artists and administrators. These interactive trainings included how to create sun-printed tote bags using cyanotypes with Kelsey Kenny; how to turn an idea into a laser-printed object with Christopher Lloyd Tucker; how to embrace “broken-ness” through creating vibrant mosaics with Rob Tobin; and best practices for staying safe in our community and ARTS’s spaces with ARTS Facilities Coordinator, Daniel Alvarado.
The response to these workshops has been incredible, though the sessions are optional, each one has had a great turnout. It’s inspiring to see our team support each other in this way and our programs have already seen the impact of learning new skills. Several teaching artists have worked these new activities into their own curriculum.
“Looking ahead, we plan for team members from every department to share their unique expertise by teaching unconventional skills. From mastering equipment in our workshop to exploring wellness practices and leadership skills, there’s a wealth of knowledge within our team waiting to be shared!”
Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to grow and nurture our community of care through Lunch-and-Learns and other culture building initiatives. Together, we can learn, heal, and build stronger communities through the transformative power of creativity!
