As an artist, student, and volunteer, I use creative expression as a bridge for healing, connection, and community.
This past August, I traveled to Quito and coastal regions of Ecuador to lead a children’s art program with the Awaken Foundation. The initiative—
Art Through Healing: Harmony in Color, Nature & Expressive Forms—offered children the opportunity to explore their inner worlds through intuitive, nature-based painting sessions. These experiences blended vibrant color, rich texture, and natural materials to encourage emotional exploration, storytelling, and self-expression.
Art has always been more than a practice for me—it is a tool for transformation and renewal. My own work explores themes of rebirth, memory, and place, and this journey allowed me to share that spirit with children and communities where creativity became a space of safety, joy, and connection.
During my time in Ecuador, I facilitated and supported:
- Outdoor painting sessions rooted in nature
- Expressive art experiences using safe, sensory-rich materials
- Collaborative workshops with local volunteers and youth
- Joyful spaces for storytelling, creativity, and shared presence
- Community-building mural projects
- The planning and activation of healing-centered environments for local medical centers and hostels, using art-informed space design to support dignity and wellness
- Exhibitions of children’s artwork in local galleries, cafés, and public spaces—celebrating their voices and strengthening community ties
- Arts and culture events in partnership with Ecuadorian artists and cultural workers
- Awaken Foundation’s media, storytelling, and visual identity efforts to help amplify the work locally and beyond
This experience profoundly shaped both my artistic practice and personal path. I am currently working on publishing a journal and travel-based art book drawn from this time—documenting the landscapes, people, creative exchanges, and moments of transformation that unfolded throughout Ecuador. The project weaves together writing, photography, artwork, and travel reflections, offering both an intimate narrative and a guide for creatives seeking meaningful cultural engagement.
Why Support Still Matters
While the on-the-ground work in Ecuador has been completed, continued support helps sustain the ripple effects of this project—through the publication of the journal, ongoing creative outreach, and the continuation of art programs for children and communities connected to Awaken.
Funds raised contribute to:
- Travel and project expenses already incurred
- Art materials for future workshops
- The completion and publication of the Ecuador journal
Any support—whether financial, shared words, or simple encouragement—helps carry this work forward.
💛 Ways to Support:
- Donate or share the Awaken GoFundMe
- Purchase of an Awaken Bucket Hat
- Follow along on Instagram for ongoing reflections and updates
- Support the publication of the journal when it launches
Thank you for believing in the healing power of art, and for being part of this journey—past, present, and still unfolding.
With gratitude and so much love,
Lucy Sinkkonen
