SPARC 352

07/08/2026

06/08/2026

As summer comes to a close, SPARC352 is reflecting on an incredible season of creativity and hands-on learning. Throughout our SPARC STEAM STATION pop-ups, youth and families in rural communities explored the exciting intersection of art and STEM through activities with our artist facilitators and Makey Makey kits. Kids were able to make their drawings come to life, play a banana piano, create their own electronic dance floor and play their way into learning about conductivity and circuits.

Thank you to our artist facilitators, the community partners who hosted us, and all the participants. We loved seeing so many young innovators bring their ideas to life!

A special thank you to the Children's Trust of Alachua County for supporting this pilot initiative and helping make these free community experiences possible.

13/07/2026

13/07/2026

What happens when a community comes together to protect the stories...

10/07/2026

Artist Millicent Johnnie brought a unique Live Cinema workshop to Akwaaba Freedom School 📍 Gainesville, FL where students created and filmed their own choreography. Students created their own choreography during the first half of the workshop. For the second half, they created their own film teams complete with a director, cinematographer, first AD, and other film roles. The students used their phones to plan their shot compositions before using a camera to see the results live.

Combining the arts with STEM empowers students to think more creatively, solve problems from new perspectives, and develop the skills needed to innovate in a rapidly changing world.

We will have more updates on our artist enrichment activities at Akwaaba as part of our summer STEAM Station Pop-ups, funded by the Children’s Trust of Alachua County next week!

08/07/2026

We are excited to share the continuation of our partnership with the Akwaaba Freedom School to bring artist enrichment to the students as part of our summer STEAM Station Pop-ups, funded by the Children's Trust of Alachua County.

UF Center for Arts, Migration + Entrepreneurship Affiliate Faculty Millicent Johnnie brought a unique Live Cinema workshop where students create and film their own choreography. During the first part of the workshop, students created and pieced together their own dance moves to create a full choreographed scene, building their creativity and confidence.

Stay tuned for highlights of the second part of the workshop where they learn about filming techniques and get hands on experience with the camera!

25/06/2026

We are excited to share these FREE events for kids and families from Haven Hospice!

KIDS/FAMILY GRIEF WORKSHOP
Saturday, July 11 | 9 – 11 a.m.
Curia on the Drag Coffee Shop | 2029 NW 6th St, Gainesville, FL
This workshop uses creative arts to help kids process their grief and loss and to connect with others. All kids and their families are welcome, no artistic experience required! Register at www.havenhospice.com/grief-workshops

KICKS & CONVERSATIONS: TEEN GRIEF ART WORKSHOP
Sunday, July 19 | 9am - 1pm (lunch included)
Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center | 1028 NE 14th St, Gainesville, FL
This workshop uses creative arts to help teens process their grief and loss and to connect with others. All teens are welcome, no artistic experience required!
This unique and powerful experience uses sneaker design as a way to reflect, heal, and express personal stories of grief, identity and resilience. Teens will design custom sneakers that represent their journey using color, imagery and storytelling.
Please register in advance as space is limited at www.havenhospice.com/grief-workshops. Questions? Contact the Haven Hospice bereavement coordinator ([email protected] or 386.867.5593).

CAMP SAFE HAVEN
Saturday, September 12, 2026
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Camp Chowenwaw
1517 Ball Rd, Green Cove Springs, FL Saturday, November 7, 2026

Camp Safe Haven is free and open to children and youth, ages 5-18, who have experienced the loss of a loved one, regardless of how that loss occurred.

Register at www.havenhospice.com/camp or call their Healing Hearts grief line: 1-844-LIGHTEN (844-544-4836).

22/06/2026

What happens when artists are given the space, support, and community connections to create?

Through the SPARC352 Artist Residency at Oakview Studios in 2025, local artists developed new work, shared their creative journeys, and engaged with the community through a unique partnership between SPARC352 and the City of Gainesville, FL - Government and Carol Velasques Richardson.

In this short documentary, hear directly from participating artists as they reflect on their experiences, creative growth, and the impact of being part of a collaborative residency program. Their stories highlight how investing in artists strengthens our creative ecosystem and helps build a more vibrant community for all.

Learn more about the artists, the residency, and the power of creative collaboration by visiting sparc352.org/sparc-place

Interviewees in order of appearance:

Oṣubi Craig UF Center for Arts, Migration + Entrepreneurship
Dionne Champion UF Center for Arts in Medicine
Ashiana Moné Music
Cheyenne Rudolph
Essence Thomas
Ian Jackson
Kione Forrest
E Stanley Richardson ARTSPEAKSgnv
Turbado Marabou Deeproots Arts & Culture Creative Services LLC
Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward
Oriana Sheffield
Carol Velasques Richardson
MyQueal Lewis Queality LLC
Carla S. Lewis Greater Duval Neighborhood Association

Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/PbuP9dSv-Bg?si=8LJGb7E6lcCwHQDG

What happens when artists are given the space, support, and communi...

20/06/2026