By: Tahasha Foxe, SOAR Director
We kicked things off with an unforgettable experience at Artrageous, a high-energy performance where art truly came to life. Blending live painting, music, and dance, the show captivated participants from start to finish. This interactive performance sparked inspiration and showed that art can be bold, expressive, and full of surprises.
Our exploration continued with Kinusaiga, a traditional Japanese art form that transforms fabric into stunning, textured designs, without the need for needles or thread. Participants carefully tucked colorful fabric pieces into pre-cut grooves, creating quilt-style artwork that was both calming and rewarding. This activity provided a wonderful opportunity to build patience, focus, and coordination while experiencing a new cultural art practice in a welcoming environment.
We also explored the soft and sensory world of wool painting through a hand-felting experience. Participants layered and shaped colorful fibers to create dreamy, textured scenes that looked like paintings. Using wool instead of brushes, they blended colors and textures to bring their imaginations to life. This unique process supported creativity, patience, and hands-on learning, while also building confidence in trying something new.
Throughout the month, participants demonstrated incredible growth as they learned to use new tools such as sculpting instruments, felting needles, and carving tools. Their willingness to try new techniques and embrace the creative process was inspiring to witness.
We are especially excited to share that some of their completed artwork will be featured at the Walla Walla Fair this year, a wonderful opportunity to showcase their hard work and celebrate their achievements with the broader community.
This month was a beautiful reminder that art is not just about the final product, but about the journey, exploring new ideas, building skills, and finding joy in creation. We can’t wait to see where creativity takes us next!
