Crafting Community Health in Western North Carolina
Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a wonderful initiative is unfolding that emphasizes the power of craft to promote community health. Established in 2023 by the Center for Craft in partnership with UNC Asheville’s Gillings Master of Public Health (MPH) program, the Craft and Community Vitality Grant program is set to make a significant impact in the region. Through this grant, local artists are exploring various projects that intertwine the art of crafting with the well-being of the community.
Embracing Craft Traditions at The Cowee School
A shining example of this program’s mission is seen at The Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center. According to its executive director, Laura Brooks, the grant aligns perfectly with the school’s goal: “Part of what we do is to preserve and pass on craft traditions, so the ability to have a program dedicated to teaching our community about the past, present, and future of craft, along with its health benefits, fits perfectly with our mission.”
With the help of the public health students from the MPH program, Brooks and her team have substantiated the health benefits of crafting activities. This collaboration has inspired them to expand their Free Community Art Day program to cater specifically to groups such as veterans and seniors. The focus is not just on preserving traditions, but also on enhancing community well-being through creative engagement.
Uliyod’: A Visionary Project by Jakeli Swimmer
For artist Jakeli Swimmer, the grant opened doors to a project dear to his heart, titled Uliyod’: A True Story. This endeavor is a passionate attempt to reclaim and protect the representation of his culture as a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Swimmer’s project revolves around creating visual aids to translate Cherokee language signs beyond educational settings. He emphasizes the importance of this project by stating, “This grant provided much-needed financial assistance without the drudgery that some other financial opportunities require.”
Swimmer’s approach reflects his vision of empowering artists by giving them the resources to contribute to community education and representation without the burdensome strings attached that often accompany funding.
Healing Through Craft with Luis Alvaro Sahagún Nuño
Meanwhile, artist Luis Alvaro Sahagún Nuño views the grant as more than just a funding opportunity; to him, it is a chance to create genuine healing experiences within marginalized communities. His project, titled Crafting Community: Discovering Your Creative Medicine, seeks to use craft as a therapeutic medium. He showcases the creation of limpia tools and spiritual cleansing rituals, aiming to mend the fabric of communities that have faced historical trauma.
Nuño passionately explains, “The heart of this project is about remembering who we are, where we come from and the power that lives in our traditions.” He firmly believes that such initiatives are integral not only for artistic expression but also for decolonization and reclaiming cultural narratives.
According to him, these grants are pivotal in creating a space for voices traditionally underrepresented in the art world. He adds, “They provide a platform for BIPOC artists to lead, teach, and inspire while nurturing a deep connection to our cultural wisdom and collective future.”
Celebrating Community Connections
The Craft and Community Vitality Grants are more than financial aid; they hold the promise of fostering connections through shared stories and experiences. As the program continues to support artists like Brooks, Swimmer, and Nuño, it lays the groundwork for a vibrant community that recognizes the valuable link between art and health.
As we watch these projects unfold, it is clear that the spirit of craft can indeed offer a path to healing, resilience, and vibrant community life throughout Western North Carolina. The ongoing narrative of crafting, community, and well-being is a beautiful reminder that art, in its many forms, has the potential to change lives.
