PHOTOS: ART HOPE Origami Project Unfolds Creativity, Mindfulness, and Community at Barn Gallery in Ogunquit

On October 1st, the picturesque town of Ogunquit, Maine, welcomed an event that combined artistry, mindfulness, and community spirit. The ART HOPE Origami Project, held at the Barn Gallery, provided participants of all ages with a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, origami, in a setting that fostered creativity and connection.

From 10 am to 1 pm, individuals gathered at the Barn Gallery to embark on a journey into the delicate craft of origami. Rooted in Japanese tradition, origami holds deep cultural significance. At the heart of the event was the art of folding paper cranes, a practice steeped in symbolism. In Japanese culture, the origami crane represents hope, peace, well-being, and happiness. Beyond its cultural significance, the act of folding these intricate paper creations offers a path to mindfulness and stress-reduction.

Participants discovered that this hands-on process not only engages their creativity but also enhances focus, agility, and memory. The result was not just paper cranes but the joy of creating whimsical works of art.

However, the true magic of the ART HOPE Origami Project lay in its spirit of community service. Attendees were invited to engage in a heartwarming act of giving by volunteering to create origami cranes. These delicate creations were destined for a meaningful purpose—they would be donated to the York Hospital Oncology Center as part of the ART HOPE Origami Project. This act of kindness aimed to offer hope and support to patients and their families, providing a tangible reminder of the power of art and community to uplift spirits during challenging times.

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Photos of the ART HOPE Origami Project at Barn Gallery (by OAA Artist Member, Deidre O’Flaherty)

Additional Information

The ART HOPE Origami Project was made possible by ART HOPE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting creative wellness within the community. The organization’s mission is to raise awareness about the importance of creative self-expression and self-care. They take a practical approach to healthful, artful living, exploring the healing opportunities that arise through art-making, art-taking, and art-giving.

Since its inception in 2006, ART HOPE has tirelessly cultivated ways to promote the creativity and health of individuals and communities through expressive arts and creative wellness education. The founder, Laura Jaquays, has played a pivotal role in pioneering these efforts. Collaborating closely with educators, artists, healthcare providers, and wellness groups, she has brought her innovative approach to teaching people how to tap into their unique creative potential for health, well-being, and enjoyment.

Laura Jaquays’ work has resonated with countless individuals, engaging participants of all ages in the arts as a means of self-expression and self-care. Her dedication to fostering creativity within the community has left an indelible mark, and events like the ART HOPE Origami Project serve as a testament to the enduring impact of her work.

As the ART HOPE Origami Project came to a close, it left behind a sense of fulfillment and unity among participants. The shared experience of creativity and the act of giving through art showcased the power of the artistic community to inspire, heal, and connect. Ogunquit, known for its natural beauty, became a canvas for the beauty of human connection through art, thanks to events like this, which remind us all of the potential for art to be a force for good in our lives.

CLICK HERE to learn more about ART HOPE.