Flockworks relies on the leadership and creative initiative of local artists to undertake meaningful projects in the community. Flockworks provides an organizational framework that makes efforts like Art@OddFellows, the Alleyway Art Project, Mendocino Stone Soup and The Children’s Banner Project possible. Such projects have been led by volunteer artists and are undertaken in partnership with schools, teachers, organizations or other community leaders. Such Artist-led Initiatives have been supported by Flockworks with space, materials, ideas and process/ organizational consultation. Some projects, like mural making, secure funding for Artist time. We recognize that extensive, in-depth initiatives often require more dedicated time and focus than is possible on a volunteer basis. We are committed to finding ways to financially support Community Artists undertaking in-depth creative work in the community through fundraising, grants and other funding approaches.
Community Artists
Joanna Wigginton - In COVID 2020, Joanna leads the Creating Learning Team for our Art@School /Art-For-Children Initiative. An active member of Mendocino Coast community for more than 40 years, Joanna was a midwife and an educational leader/teacher. Since retiring, her own art finally became a focus, yet her passion for teaching and working with children continues. She's curated community exhibits, and offered workshops and open studio for others and led community projects: Little Free Libraries for All and the Community Bridges Initiative. Joanna volunteers her time and talents!
Norma Trejo - In COVID 2020, Norma is the Outreach Artist for our Art@School /Art-For-Children Initiative. Norma was born in Mexico and came to Fort Bragg, California as a child. Her love of the arts helped her cope with the challenges of language, culture and the immigration experience. As a single mother with strong community roots, she brings contemporary view to our focus on children. Norma was Flockworks Studio Artist for the Dana Gray school working with 430 children. She has been exceptional in working with children, where her language/cultural skills, adaptability and versatility are invaluable. She is equally capable in working with teachers and families at the school. Norma's time is funded by our California Arts Council grant and by donor contributions.
Janet Self - Our Executive Director, is our original Community Artist Leader: her first initiative was founding a nonprofit to foster community arts and creativity. After 14 years, COVID 2020 put plans to retire on hold as she is now supporting the Art@School /Art-For-Children Initiative ! Janet led the Art@OddFellows series in Mendocino for 12 years, with 135 exhibits that included thousands of local artists, including youth and children and hosted 14,000 visitors annually. She spearheaded the Children's Banner Project taking creativity out into the community with murals, classroom projects and special events. The Ocean Upwelling focused on our coastal ecosystem and ways to engage youth through art, science and activism in partnership with the Noyo Center for Marine Science. She has been a mentor, advisor and ally to other Community Artists, Exhibit leaders, and youth interns. Janet is a volunteer.
Sally Rodriguez - Flockworks 1st Artist-In-Residence undertaking Studio work and leading our YouthArt project at the Art Studio on the Alternative Education Campus in Fort Bragg. She has worked on the Ocean Upwelling with Noyo Center for Marine Science and remains part of COVID 2020 efforts to bring art to children. Sally brings a rich history as an artist in the Bay area and Montana, before moving to the Mendocino Coast. She is a painter and muralist and "lover of horses".
Past Community Artists:
Lia Wilson (2017-2019) - Lia initiated The Alleyway Art Project, to bring more public art to the alleyways and overlooked spaces of Fort Bragg, CA. The Project incubated under Flockworks for 2 years and then spun off under the fiscal sponsorship Arts Council of Mendocino County. Lia is a jeweler with a passion for public art. She volunteers her time in making Alleyway Art happen.
Ariela Marshal (2014-2017) - Ariela is a creative warrior leading Art with Youth at the Alternative Education Campus, and undertaking other youth focused projects in Fort Bragg. With a move to Washington State, she continues her focus on youth with her passion for the power of art.
Thousands of community artists have been involved in our exhibits, studio groups, community events and more. During our Art@OddFellows project, a different group of local ARTIST LEADERS organized and curated each monthly exhibit in our 12 year series, including hosting thousands of visitors each month.
What is a Flockworks Community Artist?
A Flockworks’ Community Artist is someone who has demonstrated leadership and initiative with creative arts that serves the community. A Community Artist is able to develop and undertake creative outreach that engages children, youth and/or others in the community.
Initiatives undertaken by Community Artists are recognized as Flockworks’ sponsored activities, and will be reflected in promotion, fundraising and other related outreach. Community Artists are expected to keep records, document their project and help with fundraising and other outreach efforts that promote the Flockworks sponsored initiative. A Memorandum of Understanding between Flockworks and each Community Artist defines the specifics of the project.
Initiatives undertaken by Community Artists are recognized as Flockworks’ sponsored activities, and will be reflected in promotion, fundraising and other related outreach. Community Artists are expected to keep records, document their project and help with fundraising and other outreach efforts that promote the Flockworks sponsored initiative. A Memorandum of Understanding between Flockworks and each Community Artist defines the specifics of the project.
How does someone become a Flockworks Community Artist?
It all begins with a conversation about your idea, and your background, skills and experience. Once a fit seems possible, a project Concept is developed that includes the target group, outcome/impact, timeline, materials and a budget. The Flockworks’ Board reviews the concept with a focus on how the Community Art initiatives align with Flockworks’ mission and values and the resources avaialbe. Support can include organizational affiliation, funding, fundraising, promotion and other material and conceptual assistance. A Community Artist is responsible for leading and carrying out the creative initiative. While Flockworks Board, Executive Director and others provide support, a Community Artist undertakes and leads their initiative.
