MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In two days, Your News Leader will be volunteering at three local non-profits as we celebrate the day our parent company Nexstar was founded.
One of those nonprofits is an inspirational space where children unleash their creativity and build relationships.
The Carpenter Art Garden has become a special place in Binghampton where children find mentors and inspiration through free art, education, meditation and vocational programs.
“You’re not just providing art to local kids. We are literally pouring into the historians of tomorrow,” the non-profit’s Executive Director Anasha Chavez-Asforis said.
It’s become a force of good that’s overpowered a once dilapidated part of the community.
“In the past 12 years, we purchased eight blighted lots right here on this block in Carpenter Street,” Chavez-Asforis said. “We’ve turned three of them into lovely art spaces in which we house our afterschool programs.”
The rest were transformed in a memorial park, play area and organic vegetable gardens.
“We also believe that food is freedom. Through our organic gardens, we also feed community members,” she said.
The art garden also offers photography, painting, sewing and more. Staff says the free, year-round programming has served hundreds of kids and their families.
“It’s a fun place where I can relax, and I could create art that comes to my mind or brings out emotions for me,” participant Yana Jerry said. “I think sewing would be my favorite, because sewing is a fundamental thing that I could use. I could use it for clothes or anything, or any type of creative thing I want to do.”
The Carpenter Art Garden welcomes volunteers. You can tend to the gardens or help with programming. You can check out their farmers’ market, where they sell the food they grow. You can also purchase the children’s artwork. The child profits from each sale.
“What I tell my staff often is inspired people inspire people,” Chavez-Asforis said.
That sums up what’s happening within the art garden. Those inspired to make a difference are creating a path for our future to thrive.
Want to get involved with Carpenter Art Garden?
The Carpenter Art Garden says the best way to stay current on future volunteer opportunities is signing up for its newsletter.
Their farmers’ market is every Monday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial Park on Carpenter Street. It’s open to the public.
You can purchase the student’s artwork at the upcoming summer showcase on July 26th. Some of the art is also sold at Mbabazi House of Style at 2553 Broad Ave.
Other ways to get involved: click here.
Want to know more about Nexstar’s Founder’s Day?
Nexstar’s Founder’s Day of Caring occurs each year in June. Staff members across the company receive paid time off for volunteer work in their communities. The choice of which organizations to support is made at the local level and covers a wide range of charities and social service agencies. In 2023, 5,700 Nexstar employees across the company volunteered more than 17,500 hours of service at 240 charitable organizations.
