In 2023, I founded Kaleidoscope PA, an art and wellness community dedicated to helping people connect, reduce stress, and improve wellbeing through creative experiences. Since then, I have led nearly 100 workshops throughout central PA that combine artmaking with mindfulness, reflection, and connection. Time and again, I have watched people arrive feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or isolated and leave feeling calmer, more confident, and more connected.

This fall, Kaleidoscope PA will open a physical space within the Center for Wellbeing in Lemont, creating new opportunities to expand this work. The new space will allow me to offer more workshops and bring in guest artists and facilitators, expanding opportunities for connection and creativity throughout the community. With support from the Awesome Foundation, I will launch the Awesome Creative Connection Fund, a scholarship program that helps adults experiencing loneliness, isolation, financial hardship, or other challenges participate in art and wellness experiences.

Community members will be able to nominate someone they believe would benefit from a creative experience, and individuals may also nominate themselves. The goal is to remove barriers and create opportunities for people to gather and create.

The project is inspired by a growing loneliness epidemic affecting people of all ages, particularly older adults and those facing difficult life circumstances. While many people would benefit from creative community experiences, cost, uncertainty, or simply walking into a room full of strangers can prevent participation. The Fund will provide a welcoming invitation into a supportive community where creativity becomes a pathway to connection, wellness, and hope.

The grant will launch the program, but the vision extends beyond the initial funding. Through community donations and a creative reuse initiative where donated art supplies are redistributed or sold at affordable prices, I plan to sustain and grow the Fund.