At my core, I strongly believe in the power of creating communal spaces that allow for personal and societal growth. As an individual and an organization, being adaptable and open to new perspectives is critical in establishing these spaces that promote learning, idea-sharing, and community-building. This belief is the driving force behind my work in creating workshops, ceremonies, artist residencies, and events in a wide range of settings.
One of the most significant benefits of creating educational and communal spaces outside of academic institutions is that it allows for a more diverse range of voices to be heard. In my experience, when people from different backgrounds and experiences come together, new ideas are formed, and we can learn from one another in ways that are impossible in a traditional classroom setting. This leads to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of complex issues and can result in more effective problem-solving, community-building, and cross-pollination.
To me, creating these informal and ad-hoc communal spaces is not just about providing an alternative to academic institutions but rather about expanding our understanding of how knowledge and wisdom can be acquired. We must break free from the idea that formalized spaces are the only places where learning and growth can occur. Instead, we need to cultivate spaces that exist both within and outside of formal structures to create a healthy and resilient community that values the diversity of voices and experiences.
In addition to creating spaces outside of formalized institutions, I believe it's equally important to establish these types of educational and communal spaces within them. By creating spaces within academic institutions that are open to the wider community, we can bridge the gap between academia and the broader community while also providing access to the resources and knowledge available within the institution.
Throughout my career, I have organized events in a variety of settings, including galleries, museums, healing spaces, therapy centers, nonprofits, businesses, music festivals, and more. Each space presents unique challenges and opportunities, but they all serve to create a sense of belonging and connection. Time and time again, I've witnessed people showing up and offering care for each other, finding solutions for others where they previously felt stuck or alone, and even sharing messages gleaned from personal journeys with others that leave a deep impact on them. These types of group experiences can be profound, moving, emotional, and uncanny, and they illustrate the power of community building.
As someone who has earned two Master's degrees, I recognize the value of formal education, but I also see the limitations of traditional academic institutions. That's why I am passionate about creating non-formal educational opportunities that promote a sense of community and foster learning beyond the classroom. By cultivating educational and communal spaces both within and outside of formalized institutions, we can create a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of complex issues, while also connecting with others outside of it. Weaving webs within the interstices of institutional and relational systems.
Take a look at some of the past workshops I’ve been able to offer. I’d love to encourage you to check out my upcoming events section to keep up to date with different opportunities to connect within and outside of these spaces and invite you to join my newsletter to be the first to know when these opportunities arise. Also, if you’re interested in inviting me to organize a workshop at your institutions and/or do an artist talk or presentation on my work, please feel free to reach out and contact me.