ArtVan

10/15/2026

This project offers more than just beading; it is an opportunity to remind participants that their creativity, individuality, and life experiences remain valuable at every age.
Many of the older adults we serve have lived through financial hardship and continue to live on limited means. For them, a table full of beautiful art materials can feel like an unexpected luxury.
Thanks to generous bead donations, our seniors recently designed their own jewelry. Some people dismiss jewelry making as childish, but as the beads were chosen and strung, stories began to flow: childhood memories, dressing up for special occasions, the joy of feeling beautiful.
For many, those stories reconnected them with parts of themselves that years of loss, hardship, and simply getting by had quieted. We saw confidence lift in real time as participants admired their work, wore it with pride, and shared it with others.

10/14/2026

Learn to make watercolor window hangings by the incredible artist, Darcy Duda!
All art supplies are provided and 100% of your ticket benefits ArtVan programming.
Purchase tickets >> https://artvan.ddock.gives/?givingPageId=8d364e19-c5ab-4917-835a-dc4eb469f69a&mc_cid=75d70a7455&mc_eid=UNIQID

10/13/2026

Art Therapy and seasonal changes: ArtVan's Lewiston Public Library program explored the theme of transitions.
Participants used a variety of 2D art materials to create their own leaves, each representing a transition they are currently experiencing. Inside their leaves, participants were asked to write a word that reflects that transition.
Our participants brought such honesty and creativity to the table. Our Lewiston Public Library program is free and open to children ages 5-14, (and their guardians). Come join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 3:30pm-5:00pm in Callahan Hall.

10/12/2026

A recent WBUR On Point conversation with journalist David Epstein, author of Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better, makes the case that sometimes providing parameters with creativity can actually promote more creative freedom.
Art therapy themes and interventions can mean fewer decisions; less pressure and more room to explore, take risks, and find something true.
A few highlights that stuck with us from this conversation:
✔️ Dr. Seuss wrote Green Eggs and Ham on a 50-word bet. Without a big vocabulary to lean on, he had to experiment with rhythm, and that gave us one of the most beloved children’s books ever.
✔️ Monet gave up black. Blocking the familiar way of showing light pushed him toward pure color placed side by side, and Impressionism followed.
✔️ Our brains default to the path of least resistance. With total freedom, we tend to repeat what’s easy and familiar. A well-placed constraint blocks that path and invites new ones.
✔️The sweet spot matters. In the research Epstein cites, people were most inventive when given a loose category and a limited set of materials. When they were told both what to make and how to make it, creativity dipped. The goal is room to surprise yourself.

You’ve heard the phrase "think outside the box." But what if constraints and limitations actually make us happier and more creative?

10/09/2026

ArtVan‘s week concluded with the question what would you be, using wood pieces onto a map board base and scraps of paper, this Youth Artist created an artist named, Jackson Canvas who created these paintings for his gallery show. This Youth Artist.wood like to be an artist.

10/06/2026

Create a set of 3 window hangings using ink and watercolor. Hangings can be displayed in a window or framed. All art supplies are provided!
Purchase tickets >> https://artvan.ddock.gives/?givingPageId=8d364e19-c5ab-4917-835a-dc4eb469f69a&mc_cid=75d70a7455&mc_eid=UNIQID
Led by artist, Darcy Duda: “I tell stories using color and words. As a life-long Mainer, my connection to the forests, fields, soil, and sea of this state runs deep through generations upon generations of other Mainers who farmed and fished here. As always, I create to live and to give. Once my expenses are covered, I donate what is left to organizations that benefit our environment or shared values

10/05/2026

ArtVan Youth artist’s were asked if they had a window, to create anything or imagine anything they wanted… we heard about butterflies, winning a race, fall leaves, and pumpkins, happiness, and family together.

10/01/2026

Fueled by generosity!
Huge thanks to Albin, Randall & Bennett, CPAs for their August donation drive, which raised $750 for fuel for the ArtVan, and filled our shelves with art supplies.
Businesses that invest in their neighbors make our whole community stronger. We are so grateful to have you "on the road" with us.

09/29/2026

Create a set of 3 window hangings using ink and watercolor. Hangings can be displayed in a window or framed. All art supplies are provided!
Purchase tickets >> https://artvan.ddock.gives/?givingPageId=8d364e19-c5ab-4917-835a-dc4eb469f69a&mc_cid=75d70a7455&mc_eid=UNIQID
100% of the ticket sale benefits ArtVan programming.

09/28/2026

Join ArtVan and Art Collective for a panel discussion and networking event on the important topic of art as a means of wellness.
When: Thursday, October 15, 6:00-7:30 pm
Where: Maine Art Collective Gallery, 157 Middle Street, Portland
Panelists: Jamie Silvestri, Art Therapist Catherine Chester, Art TherapistSusan Vittner, Artist and GalleristLisa Bard Clementy, Interior Design and Artist Sara Bird Nelson, Feng Shui
Free to attend - Registration appreciated >> https://artvan.ddockforms.com?form=26788585-036c-4b07-b77e-068b7b77aced

Registration is not required but encouraged.