Our Community Artists

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.

2017-2018 Community Artists

Joanna Wiggington - An active member of Mendocino Coast community for more than 40 years, She was a midwife and then 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 participated in and curated community exhibits, and offered workshops and open studio time for others. Currently, she leads two projects: Little Free Libraries for All and the Community Bridges Initiative.

Janet Self - Our Executive Director, is also our longest running Community Artist. Her first initiative was founding Flockworks as a nonprofit to foster community arts and creativity. Janet led the Art@OddFellows series in Mendocino for 11 years, which had 135 exhibits that included thousands of local artists, including youth and children and hosted 14,000 visitors annually. She's also spearheaded the Children's Banner Project since 2008 taking creativity out into the community with murals, classroom projects and special events. Her most recent project is The Ocean Upwelling Initiative which focuses on our coastal ecosystem engaging youth through art, science and activism.

Lia Wilson - Lia is heading up The Alleyway Art Project. It's an ambitious plan to connect local artists with sponsoring organizations and businesses to bring glorious public art to the alleyways and overlooked spaces of Fort Bragg, CA. Lia is a jeweler with a passion for public art.

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.

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, and is not a Flockworks' employee.