Carrying the Torch Through Memphis: Carpenter Art Garden
This blog was written in collaboration with our friends at Campfire Collective.
Carpenter Art Garden began in July 2012 with the transformation of a single blighted lot into an outdoor art classroom for Binghampton children.
This blog was written in collaboration with our friends at Campfire Collective.
Carpenter Art Garden began in July 2012 with the transformation of a single blighted lot into an outdoor art classroom for Binghampton children.
Since then, a growing number of neighbors, Memphis artists, and volunteers have worked to build and expand the nonprofit into a creative safe haven for Binghampton kids. Over a decade later, Carpenter Art Garden remains an inspirational outdoor space where children gather to create art, experience performances, and build relationships – all at no cost.
We talked to Jazmin “Jazzy” Miller, CAG’s former Executive Director, about the history, vision, and future of this unique organization.
1.Tell us about Carpenter Art Garden’s vision and mission?
The Mission of CAG is to grow young creatives through art, education, and vocational programs. Our vision is empowering the children of Binghampton to create their best futures.
2. How did Carpenter Art Garden start?
Carpenter Art Garden began in 2012 when art was taken out of the Binghampton neighborhood school's curriculum. CAG renovated blighted lots and abandoned homes on Carpenter Street and transformed them into art space, organic vegetable gardens, and parks.
3. How can Memphians get involved with Carpenter Art Garden or volunteer?
Each year, we host a named mid-year campaign. At the end of the year, around Christmas, we host our COLOR campaign, during which we raise funds to support our entire mission throughout the end of the fiscal year. (You can find out more ways to help Carpenter Art Garden here.)
4. Tell us about your organization’s dreams and goals for the short-term and long-term? What changes does Carpenter Art Garden hope to see or bring about?
We have so many dreams and goals for Carpenter Art Garden! Our short-term goals include simply continuing to carry out our day-to-day programs which include art education, education support, organic vegetable gardening, mosaics, and more. We are excited to dream of a peaceful summer that is filled with art-making and neighborhood beautification projects. We hope to create murals, beautify Tillman Sculpture Park, and create garden sculptures, all in collaboration with professional artists and our youth. We dream of a day where several neighborhoods in need (throughout the city and the South) have an "art garden", filled with greenspaces and formal art programs that provide accessible safe space and tools for young residents to learn, practice, and create art.
5. Tell us a little about you: How did you get involved with Carpenter Art Garden?
I have been working at Carpenter Art Garden for a year and a half as the Executive Director. Community, family, and gardens sustained my mother's family for many generations. On my second interview for the position, I saw the children in the neighborhood running in and out of the homes, art spaces, and vegetable gardens, and it reminded me so much of my family's land. I felt drawn to come and serve there if the board would have me as ED.
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