Wildflower ArtSpace | Mutual Aid & Non-Profit Donations
The arts have always been at the forefront of every revolution. Be it music, visual arts, poetry—art has the power to magnify, honor, and educate. One of my main goals for WildFlower ArtSpace is to create work that raises awareness, promotes social change, and builds community. In an effort to support the Black Lives Matter movement, all artwork created with this intent is sold to directly benefit BIPOC and underserved communities.
“Solidarity” | Alyssum, Forget-Me-Not, & Acrylic Ink
The Solidarity Series
The “Solidarity Series” is a collection of pressed flower illustrations that represent the need for social change, racial justice, equality, and peace work. For every piece sold, 100% of proceeds are donated to local organizations throughout Hartford and surrounding communities in Connecticut.
Summer of Solutions (SOS), a mutual aid program based in Hartford, CT was my initial inspiration behind the “Solidarity Series”. The mission of SOS is to empower youth leadership, educate communities on equity and inclusion, and allow individuals to regain power over their own food production. Through local donations and fundraisers, SOS is able to maintain two community gardens to help those who are facing food insecurity. Located on Zion Street and Broad Street in Hartford, the SOS gardens currently hold over 50 raised beds which are grown and cared for by local volunteers.
In addition, their “Feeding the Hood” and “Pink Pantry” programs work hard to collect groceries and household items for those in need. Items donated are left in the Pink Pantry on Zion Street in Hartford, CT, or hand-delivered to families that sign up through SOS. Executive Director, Sonsharae Owens, checks in with her community each week to compile a list of the supplies most in need—whether that be baby diapers, formula, sanitary products, or food. Each illustration sold from the “Solidarity Series” is then used to purchase items from their list that week.
“Peace” | Baby’s Breathe, Forget-Me-Not, Alyssum, Ink & Watercolor
“Inner Garden” | Dyed Hydrangea, Squirrel Foot Fern, Bridal Wreath, Verbena, Acrylic Paint & Ink
The intent behind this series is to help fight injustice through my platform, and contribute in the ways that I feel are right for Wildflower ArtSpace. Embracing local organizations that are facilitating real change is just one way I aim to hold myself accountable. At the heart of Wildflower ArtSpace is a mission of bringing more authenticity and mindfulness into the world.
Additional non-profits that Wildflower ArtSpace stands behind and donates a portion of sales to.
Hartford (HTFD) Really Really Free Market : The HTFD REALLY REALLY FREE Market is a community-led event where folks are encouraged to give what they have and take what they need. Household items, pet supplies, baby needs, and groceries are accepted for donation. Markets are held on a monthly basis at 460 New Britain Ave in Hartford, CT.
New Britain Racial Justice Coalition: NB Racial Justice seeks to eradicate racism and create equality in the city of New Britain, CT. Through political education and community outreach, this grassroots movement works to support political candidates that push for affordable housing, safe and equal schooling, and community food security.
Hearing Youth Voices: Hearing Youth Voices leads campaigns to advocate for young people of color, the LGBTQ community, as well as those who are immigrants/undocumented. One of their main objectives is to fight for educational justice, especially in terms of the school-to-prison pipeline and issues of school pushout.
The Loveland Foundation: Loveland Therapy Fund provides financial assistance to Black women and girls nationally seeking therapy. Through fellowships, residency programs, listening tours, and more, Loveland’s mission is to empower and liberate women of color and the communities they serve.
Nonprofit Accountability Group: NAG is a Black trans, autistic-led organization based in Hartford, CT. Their Mutual Aid Fund addresses the needs of marginalized communities (including those affected by intergenerational oppression, transphobia, and racism), by providing food, clothing, cash, and education. Other initiatives run by NAG include the coordination of peaceful protests, community clean-ups, as well as virtual workshops and study halls.
Black Table Arts: Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Black Table Arts (BTA) is a community-driven arts cooperative. This is an organization that I stand behind for so many reasons. BTA organizes and recruits Black artists to educate and uplift communities while providing access to quality art-based programs. Its mission is to provide healing-art opportunities for both aspiring youth and adults. Through these initiatives, “local artists are invited to see themselves as change makers and organizers of their collective liberation.”
To purchase artwork from the “Solidarity Series” and help support Summer of Solutions, please follow the Contact button below, or message me on Instagram at wildflower_artspace