Be a Sock Monkey Workshop Volunteer

Sock Monkey couldn't wait to share this great cause with his readers. A couple of days ago, we stumbled upon a post from the Collective Elements blog written by a fellow Sock Monkey admirer named Danielle.

She wrote about a Sock Monkey Workshop organized by a social service agency called fresh art. This New York based organization provides support, advocacy and artistic opportunities to the disenfranchised and special needs artists in the New York City metro area.

What fresh art does for those who need a hand up is truly selfless and inspiring. Sometimes people need a helping hand to lead the way to a new sunrise and a new life. No one is beyond redemption. Fall down seven times, get up eight. George Eliot is famous for saying "It's never too late to be the person you were always meant to be." Madonna earned superstar status by constantly reinventing herself. If you can't find yourself, then invent the person you want to be.

The organization's mission statement emphasizes art as a healing tool for the artist who is physically, emotionally or mentally disadvantaged, homeless or dealing with recovery from substance abuse and addiction. The goals of fresh art are to minimize the public stigma and alienation of those with special needs by faciliating a connection with the community. Through public awareness and a partnership with social service agencies, fresh art assists the artists' integration into their surrounding as functioning and contributing members of the 'hood.

When I looked at the proud faces of the artists in the workshops gallantly showing off their brightly colored art and happy Sock Monkey dolls, it made me smile. These are works of art lovingly created and personalized by talented people striving for healing and a new vision. God helps those who help themselves. These handicrafters are taking control and meeting the challenge of change with courage and commitment.

For those in the NYC area, you can lend your support by volunteering to sew Sock Monkeys, which are sold to help fund fresh art social programs. The one-of-a-kind Sock Monkeys and boxed Sock Monkey greeting cards are available for sale in in the office or through the
fresh art online store.

The Sock Monkey Workshop Program for Artists with Special Needs meets twice a month on Monday's in the fresh art offices. The workshop needs volunteers to sew the dolls. Basic sewing skills is all that's needed to join. If attending a workshop is not a geographic possibility, please consider making a difference with your tax free donation:

fresh art
548 Broadway, 3rd floor
New York, NY
10012
info@freshartnyc.org
Phone: 646.262.3273
or donate online

Donations of art supplies are also welcome.

fresh art is in need of:
NEW OR GENTLY USED ART MATERIALS
watercolor paints, watercolor pencils and crayons, brushes, paper,
canvas boards, relief printmaking supplies such as inks, brayers, barrons

Sock Monkeys are love!
And, please check out Danielle's Etsy store.


Buy sumpin'!
She has incredible stuff for sale!

Related posts:
*Camp Sock Monkey*: More on Sock Monkey Workshop
*Camp Sock Monkey*: Be a Sock Monkey Workshop Volunteer
*Camp Sock Monkey*: Sock Monkey Workshop, October 25 in Brooklyn, NY