The Open Art Hive Movement

I got involved with the Ithaca Open Art Hive about 3 years ago when they were meeting at the Ithaca Generator Makers Space. Making art in community has always been apart of how humans gather. One need look no further than cave painting to see this.

The Open Art Hive movement evolved in the mid 20th Century and is a tool employed by Art Therapists to help people who are struggling in the margins. Through art hive happenings, people find ways to deal with their challenges with creativity and in community.

The Ithaca Open Art Hive is just such a community. We currently meet in the community room in a building which is used to transition people out of homelessness and in the early stages of recovery. The Ithaca Open Art Hive is run by art therapists, arts educators and artists, like me. I will often run a skill share activity during the gatherings. One of my favorite parts of the art hive experience is the chance to share making art with children. They just love to play with my materials and engage in my building process.

Through the open art hive experience, I have come to see how amazing art therapy really is. I appreciate seeing first hand the healing power creating and making can have in people’s lives. It is wonderful to feel the power of people sitting in community, sharing conversation, and engrossed in their creativity and art making. It truly is a great example of the better part of human nature.