I recently had the opportunity to teach an art class at the South Salt Lake Community Opportunity Center as a teaching artist with Bad Dog Arts. It was one of those experiences that reinforced why I love working at the intersection of creativity, community, and meaningful impact.
The class, Fall Nature Crafts for Your Home, was designed as an all-ages creative workshop that invited participants to slow down, work with their hands, and turn seasonal inspiration into handmade décor they could enjoy long after class ended.
Designing an Inclusive Creative Experience
Bad Dog Arts is truly for everyone. Participants ranged across ages and experience levels, from first-time crafters to people who already had a strong creative practice. My goal as an instructor was to create a welcoming environment where everyone felt comfortable experimenting, asking questions, and making choices that reflected their personal style.
Rather than focusing on perfection or rigid instructions, I chose to emphasize exploration, confidence, and creative problem solving. The classroom quickly became a shared space where people connected through the simple act of making something unique.
Fall Nature Crafts for Your Home
The class theme centered on bringing the warmth and texture of fall indoors using natural and seasonal materials. Participants created a variety of functional and decorative pieces they could display in their homes or gift to others.
Projects included:
- Fall wreaths inspired by natural textures and autumn colors
- Handmade invitations and paper goods for seasonal gatherings
- Sola Wood Flowers hand-dyed fall centerpieces for our tables
Each project was intentionally flexible, allowing participants to adapt materials, colors, and layouts to fit their vision. Watching people take the same starting materials and create completely different outcomes was one of the most rewarding parts of the class.
Teaching Through a Multipassionate Lens
As a multipassionate creative and marketing professional, teaching this class felt like a natural extension of my broader work. Leading a community art class draws on many of the same skills I use professionally, including creative direction, audience awareness, clear communication, and adaptability.
Whether I am developing a marketing strategy or guiding someone through a hands-on art project, my focus is always on empowering people to feel confident in their ideas and abilities. Teaching allows me to apply those skills in a tangible, human-centered way.
Creativity as a Community Connector
One of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was the sense of connection that formed in the room. Conversations flowed as people worked side by side, shared ideas, and encouraged one another. The creative process became a bridge for community building, which is something I deeply value in both my artistic and professional practice.
Participants left with finished pieces they were proud of, but also with a renewed sense of creative momentum and belonging.
Reflecting on the Experience
Teaching this community art class reinforced my belief that creativity belongs everywhere. Spaces like this make art accessible, practical, and deeply human.
This class was a reminder that creative work does not have to be complicated to be powerful. Sometimes it is as simple as gathering people, providing materials, and creating space for ideas to grow.
I hope to see you at my next workshop!
xoxo,
Michaela Rae
