When reflecting on the impact of my works, I consider both artistic and community significance. Artistically, I explore composition and material through play and discovery to examine how childhood shapes adulthood and community-wise, I cultivate safe spaces for collective healing and communal exchanges to shift cultural norms. These principles are foundational to my practice, as my childhood was defined by solitary artmaking and storytelling. Without creative peers, I became hesitant, constrained, and disconnected, always dreaming of artmaking with others. These reflections inspired Community Gatherings, a unique 2-hour in-person collage workshop series that nurtures the inner child. Participants use childhood photos and nostalgic materials to create personal collages and share stories within an intimate setting. Each person creates their own "inner child" collage and leaves with a shared creative experience - fulfilling my childhood dream of creating with friends. All materials and guidance are provided. My goal is to create safe spaces for immersive exploration and authentic conversation, expanding towards a more socially engaged practice.

Photographs taken by Mathilde Mujanayi

Community Gatherings launched in June 2023 with support from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) and Create Baltimore (formerly BOPA). These sessions welcomed the local Baltimore City community into Mahyue Studios as a way to bring people together through art, storytelling, and shared healing and create space for reflection, connection, and collective care. Although I no longer have a physical studio since giving birth to my daughter, I have redefined Community Gatherings to be as wherever community gathers. This shift allows me to bring the spirit of Mahyue Studios into schools, family service organizations, healing centers, hospitals, and other environments where creativity and care intersect. By expanding these gatherings to include private team experiences such as professional development, wellness, and team building experiences that provide creative activity designed for connection and conversation, I continue to offer artmaking as a practice that strengthens individuals, supports staff wellness, and nurtures community healing. For more information about Community Gatherings, please email info at sasha-loriene.com. Thanks!