Community Means We Collage: A Free, Collaborative “Thank You” Project

How do we say a giant, meaningful thank-you to the local heroes who make our community so rich? We make a mess, we build a masterpiece, and we do it together. We create a Community Means We Collage

Before the holiday rush sets in, I’m inviting you to slow down, connect with your neighbors, and add your personal touch to a massive, collaborative art canvas. This is a completely free, drop-in community open house — people of all ages are welcome to pull up a chair, grab a piece of paper, and help build a striking mixed-media gratitude piece.

[To understand why I sponsor these Community Means We events, read about it here)

Who it’s for?

Our class participants will decide which local first responder group receives this year’s piece. Once the canvas is complete, I’ll personally finish and frame it, and it will be donated on behalf of our whole community in time for Thanksgiving.

Drop in & add a layer

You don’t need to be an “artist” to take part. Whether you stay for ten minutes or two hours, your hands will help create a piece of local history. I’ll have a beautiful design roadmap already laid out on a giant canvas, so all you have to do is choose your materials or create some, and adhere or paint them onto the canvas. We’ll provide a sprawling buffet of collage elements, including:

• Vibrant hand-painted background papers and handmade deckled sheets – or you can make some.
• Translucent, colorful tissue papers and shimmering gold leaf flakes
• Rich textures like yarn, embroidery threads, and natural jute twine – yep, anything goes!
• Patterned fabrics, lace snippets, and smooth mosaic glass tiles

Cozy treats & bits from home

There will be hot coffee, warm tea, and a big plate of fresh cookies waiting for you. Every tool and supply is provided, but you’re welcome to bring a small keepsake from home to tuck into the artwork — a scrap of an old map, a snippet of a postcard, a vintage stamp, or a bit of colorful thread.

📋 Event Details

• When: Saturday, November 7, 2026
• Time: Drop in anytime between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM
• Price: Completely free! All ages welcome.
• Materials: All materials provided. (accepting donations).
• Location: To be announced soon — we’re locking in a cozy neighborhood venue.
• Registration: Although it is a drop in – your registration would be so helpful in planning for needed supplies.

👉 Join us November 7th to help create something unforgettable — and to help decide who we honor this year.