Hope, Trust, and Bears: A Journey Through Community and Creativity
From tornadoes to trust talks, facilitation to fine art— two weeks of connection, conferences, and launching an art collection
I have been traveling for the last two weeks. My first stop was the University of Central Arkansas for the Community Development Professionals Conference, where I gave a talk about the work of bringing a community hope maker. Next to Little Rock for the in-person portion of my facilitation certificate program at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. Then we had wild weather in Arkansas, and I couldn’t leave Little Rock for a night while tornadoes twirled overhead. I thought I would get one day at home, but our low water bridge was overflowing from the almost 9 inches of rain we got so I headed to spend the night at my daughters.
My suitcase got rearranged, and I flew to Philadelphia to talk about The Art of Neighboring at the National Main Street Conference. Then, I was part of Weave—The Social Fabric Project from Aspen Institute on Why Trust Matters on Main Street.
If you met me at any of these conferences - let me know! And don’t worry. Yes, I talk about Main Street, community, and more here, but I’m also an artist, and I share that work here. If you are a Main Street director and you came to the talk about Trust… this is what I’m talking about - I have TIME to do OTHER things. Don’t you want that too?
Seriously, friends, I need to stop talking for a minute, but before I do, I wanted to share that I am launching a new painting collection called We Choose Bears. It’s part of an online arts residency that I participated in called the Slow Color Project Residency, and the show is called Under the Same Sky.
As part of this launch, I’m doing a short run of postcards of all the bears! They will ship in May and make the perfect birthday card, note to a friend, or just propped on your desk as a reminder that we are playful and powerful. You can order this limited edition here: https://jackie-wolven-shop.fourthwall.com/products/we-choose-bears-postcard-set
Want to see the WHOLE collection? https://jackie-wolven-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/we-choose-bears Two originals have already sold, which is why I’m sending this out so you can get a chance to scoop one up, too. The collection includes eight original paintings, prints, and limited edition postcards that will be printed in Arkansas by a locally owned LGBTQ+ printer.
You can join all 21 participating artists online this Friday for the premiere of Series Under the Same Sky, a group virtual exhibition of their work.
We come from all over the world: North America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe, unified in this shared pursuit. During a two-month virtual Slow Color Project Art Residency, we each created our own meaningful art series in our individual practices, sharing and discussing along the way.
On April 11, at 10 a.m. PDT, the video premiere will showcase each artist’s work and statement, during which we will be present with you for the online chat. The video will be available for viewing after the premiere. The group gallery page will also open on the morning of the 11th: https://www.annelivingston.com/art-series-challenge
Series Under The Same Sky
Where: Online at Anne Livingston Art’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@annelivingstonart
When: Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. PDT
Who:
Adanna Elle
Anne Livingston
Christy Strickler
Crystal Gallagher
Daria Lemeshkin
Diane Vance
Donna Gardner
Ingrid Brooks
Ione Perez
Irene Cohen
Jackie Wolven
Kate Boyd
Kathryn Goldman
Kim Wihak
Lenka Talska
Lisa Swigart
Megan Starbuck
Simone Whipp
Stacey Lewis
Theresa Muth
Yeliztli Zurapiti
When I finally get home, I’m going to take a nap, wash some clothes, and stare out into the woods for a while. Not too long, though! Because I have more to do!
With Care + Community - Jackie