This season, our community continues to prove that art is not just expression—it’s action.
We’re honored to spotlight a powerful lineup of artists and activists whose work challenges, disrupts, and reimagines the world around us. From bold visual storytellers to voices on the frontlines of change, their perspectives remind us why creative resistance matters now more than ever.
As we look ahead, we’re also excited to share a series of upcoming events designed to bring us together—spaces to learn and connect through art. Stay with us as we amplify these voices and build momentum for what’s next.
GWU Art as Activism: Women Leading Change TOMORROW!
I’m heading to an event tomorrow night at the George Washington University and wanted to pass along the invite in case it sparks your interest. I was invited by Assistant Professor Bella Maria Varela, who teaches the Art as Activism class in the GWU Women’s Leadership Program. A few weeks ago, I joined her class to host a mending circle and share the story behind starting Art on the Mend, so it feels especially meaningful to be part of this gathering. Would love to see some familiar faces there if you’re around! RSVP here.
Here are some photos from our mending circle in her class where discussed “What unique perspective do you have from your learned life experiences?” – while mending and decorating our clothes and shoes with needle felting.
Upcycled Art with Artist + Activist Ursula Seckel
We gathered in circle as artist and activist Ursula Seckel joined us to share not just her art, but her way of seeing. There’s something quietly radical about Ursula’s practice: she looks at what’s been cast off and recognizes not waste, but possibility. Raised by two marine biologists and steeped in the rhythms and stories of the ocean, she carries that tidal sensibility into everything she creates. As she showed us her marine-inspired pieces, you could feel it—this invitation to reimagine, to return beauty to what’s been overlooked.
Ursula is also part of our creative ecosystem, one of the artists we’re honored to collaborate with by sharing textiles from Pottery Barn. In her hands, these materials become something else entirely. Sitting and stitching alongside her, it felt clear: this is what art activism looks like in practice.
Restorative Mending Circle with Anthony Heyward
We were so grateful to have Anthony Heyward share his restorative process at our Cherrydale Library Visible Mending Circle this week. Anthony Heyward is a professor, community organizer, and Founder of the National Restorative Union (NRU). His work centers on building human connection through reflective practice, restorative dialogue, and transformative leadership development for teens and adults. When he asked “What keeps you coming back to the circle?” – community, mood boosts, and refreshed clothes were the highlights for many. Anthony’s work in emotional literacy and restorative practices brings people together, and I’m honored to collaborate with him through Art on the Mend and The National Restorative Union.
Thanks for visiting us from New York City, Anthony!
Last Chance to Sign Petition to Save Cherrydale Library – and Our Circle There! 🍒📚🧵
For those of you who know and love Cherrydale Library and our Visible Mending Circle there, please take a moment to sign petition to the Arlington County Board in support of keeping Cherrydale Library open. Be sure to dismiss any prompts asking for money, as that is just fundraising for the iPetitions platform.
https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/keep-cherrydale-library-open
Up Next
Embroidery Mending on April 13 2-4 PM at Cherrydale Library. Bring any garment or textiles with a hole, stain, or thinned area. We will use embroidery thread to mend it.
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Hope to see you soon!
Art on the Mend 