Let’s MAAFFF!
(Make Art And Friends For Free)
Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.
- Pablo Picasso
When’s the last time you colored? With no agenda, no inhibitions… Just pure joy and feel and freedom?
When’s the last time you connected with the people around you in public spaces?
When’s the last time you took a detour from your day to do something fun, new, and unplanned?
It’s a simple equation:
Art + Friends + Free = What the World Needs
Listen peeps— the world is full of noise and pain. People are scared, people are lonely, and— despite the ubiquity of social media and its imagery— people feel unseen. It can feel dismal, really, going up against all of it, but if there is one thing we know for certain, it is that we can do our part every day to spread light amist the darkness!!!
In summer of 2024, I (Emma) started hosting these pop-up arts and crafts jams in public places around New York City. One day I just bought a bunch of art supplies, packed ‘em in a suitcase, pulled up to a park and put out a sign: “Make Art. Make Friends. It’s free.” (It’s a much longer story but that’s good enough for here.)
People stopped by and sat with me for HOURS—all sorts of people getting all sorts of wholesome things out of it. Children, retirees, mommas, poppas, teenagers (that one was surprising!)... Americans, immigrants, tourists… People comfortable coloring and people a bit paralyzed by it but who try… It’s been extraordinary to witness. Healing, fun, connection, expression, outdoors time, everyday magic… In short, what the world needs.
Let’s spread MAAFFF to as many people as possible. Around the country, around the world! We need to secure funding somehow and assemble a team… Figuring that out.
Wanna help?!!?
One person at a time, together!