The Team
Sometimes the best laid plans don't end up working out. What was originally a team of four, dwindled down to three and then two until just one person remained. Despite this, the project still had its successes and the remaining team member was able to collaborate with ArtHeart staff, board members, program participants, volunteers, C4 classmates and the C4 teaching team to bring this part of the project to a satisfying end. There is a lot of work left to be done at ArtHeart, and different ways in which this project could continue in the future. While the team started out as a blend of Humanities and Environmental Studies students, there is lots of opportunity to grow the project into something bigger and better with an even more robust interdisciplinary approach.
Culture & Expression
Liz McMahan
I was interested in working with ArtHeart as I felt a strong connection to the work that they are focused on as it allows community members who might otherwise not be able to access the arts a way to come together to develop their skills and encourage their self-expression. The arts have a unique way of connecting people to each other in order to allow for a healthier and more vibrant community in which people are accepted and valued, and I see the need for ArtHeart’s continued presence in the community.
Despite not being able to wrap up the project the way in which I originally envisioned, I think there is a solid foundation in which ArtHeart or another C4 team can build on. In particular, I can see the organization benefiting greatly from a facilitated strategic planning session that takes into account their existing resources, mission and goals while engaging with representatives from all stakeholder groups to envision what the future holds for ArtHeart.
