It just keeps getting better...

​Summer Greetings!

Since 2007, Flockworks has been a vital part of arts on the Mendocino Coast, with summer our biggest season. And, as the saying goes, the only real constant is change.

In the past six months Art@OddFellows wrapped up after 10 years and 135 exhibits. We lost our "home" and anchor community project - working with thousands of artists, children and youth as we hosted 14,000 visitors each year to experience an amazing richness and diversity of local arts. Through Art@Oddfellows, we made connections, raised funds, and fostered creativity. It was a hard loss, but mostly I feel truly grateful for having had those ten years to do this work. 

​And despite this change, our mission to "Connect our Community through Creativity" is flourishing! I hope you'll enjoy these brief notes about some of what we've been up to, post Art@OddFellows!

(L) "The Rhododendron" mural in downtown Fort Bragg; (R) Lia with her husband, Josh accepting the "Beautification Award" from the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce.
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Recently, Flockworks Community Artist Lia Wilson, and the Alleyway Arts project, received the "Beautification Award" by the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce. The inaugural project, "The Rhododendron", created by artist @fericdecay (on Instagram) was sponsored by The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and The Community Foundation of Mendocino County. In the past week, the newest mural, "Matsya and the Deluge" by artist Bojh Parker, was approved by the Fort Bragg Planning Commission.
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(L) Worry dolls created by the students and (R) Board member and Community Artist, Joanna Wigginton working on a Little Free Library.
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Community Bridges, our partnership with the Latino Coalition, Safe Passages and others, brought art projects all yearlong to 350 elementary school students at Fort Bragg's Dana Grey School. Community Artist and Board member, Joanna Wiggington, also provided summer projects at Redwood School for young migrant students and has plans for even more in the 2018-19 school year to address the slashing of support for art in Schools. Joanna is also spearheading the Little Free Libraries for All projects. The first set of "libraries" were started by youth at the Alternative Education Campus in Fort Bragg, while the 3rd year of our SAIL Youth offered art to these 50 + students. 

​​Over 500 children & youth were part of special large scale projects thru the Children's Banner Project. Our Art & Science intern program began as part of our Ocean Upwelling partnership with Noyo Center for Marine Science. We delighted visitors to Mendocino's annual 4th of July Parade, 2018 EarthDay, World Oceans Day, Whale Festival, Art & Science Fair, and more! And Noyo Printworks continues as a creative home for many local print makers.

Fourth of July float that won "Most Creative" in Mendocino's parade.

This has been a challenging year of change as a leader of Flockworks; however, being named Arts Champion of the Year! by the Arts Council of Mendocino and County Board of Supervisors was a real honor that brought the past decade to a sweet close. Now my excitement is in looking ahead as we shape a new decade of creative community with our energetic and capable Board of Directors, led by Erica Harrold. I hope you'll continue to follow Flockworks through our newsletter, our NEW website, our Facebook Page and Instagram feed! And, finally, I ask you to join us with your time and financial investment! Your support is more important than ever.

​As I head off to a week-long Music Camp (yes, stand-up bass and singing are creative pursuits in addition to my love of colors!) I send you best wishes for a wonderful and creative summer!

My warm regards,

Janet Self,
​Executive Director &
​Flockworks Community Artist