“Owl” by Micah Eglinton-Woods

Though employees sometimes decorate their office walls with children’s artwork, they are not often encouraged to share the results of their own artistic endeavors with their co-workers, and they are rarely asked to contribute their original art to a workplace gallery exhibit. However, the Agassiz Baldwin Community is no ordinary workplace. The organization comprises multiple programs including the Agassiz Neighborhood Council, preschool, afterschool and summer programs for children, a network for community residents over 55, Maud Morgan Arts—a center offering arts classes for all ages—and the Chandler Gallery. This December, the agency is asking its staff and faculty to bring their art to work for “Drawn From Within: A Creative Community Presents,” an exhibit that celebrates the diverse talents of its employees.

The range of styles, subjects and media is sure to reflect the range of individuals at Agassiz Baldwin Community. The staff includes people who teach children about science, dance and cooking, someone who solves computer problems for seniors, someone who facilitates community meetings, and someone who designs and illustrates brochures, as well as numerous professional artists who teach at Maud Morgan Arts. This show embodies the mission of Maud Morgan Arts to foster artistic exploration for beginners and professionals alike. It also demonstrates the sense of community among the staff members and gives them a chance to appreciate their co-workers’ creativity. As a whole, the exhibit will be a fascinating study of the personalities and visions behind an urban cultural non-profit organization.

“Drawn From Within: A Creative Community Presents” opens at the Chandler Gallery on Thursday, December 5, 2013, and the exhibit will run through January 3, 2014.