PREVIEW: The Resilience of Whimsy Art Show: Inspiring Whimsy In The Lives of Local Students
05/29 @ Storied Coffee, Schenectady
“It gives me hope for the future because these kids are so bright and absolutely brilliant.”
On May 29, local artist Cassandra Waldenmaier, also known as “Breathofagoddess,” will be hosting “The Resilience of Whimsy Art Show,” a night of art appreciation and community building inspired by her work with local students and student-focused initiatives. The Resilience of Whimsy Art Show will be taking place at Storied Coffee on Jay Street in Schenectady from 6–8 p.m., all to support an organization providing important services to local students.
“Art has always been a passion of mine, and it's so healing; that's where the name ‘The Resilience of Whimsy’ formed,” says Cassie. “The practice of art and the involvement in something that is joyful and expressive is something I want to share and something I try to bring to my interactions with students that I work with.”
The Resilience of Whimsy Art Show is aimed to raise money in support of the SCCC Liberty Partnership Program, at which Cassie is currently an intern. This program offers opportunities and services to middle and high school students impacted by academic barriers to prepare them for higher education and professional life. With staff who take the extra effort to connect with each and every student, provide structured social enrichment and ensure that all students receive an education that connects with them on a personal level, maintaining the LPP is very crucial to upkeep the wellbeing of all students.
The SCCC Liberty Partnership Program encourages students to make connections and develop networks within their community through their partnership with local businesses and community-based organizations. With programs such as “Young Futures," where students are exposed to the necessary skill of financial literacy, as well as after-school programs where students are taught about recycling, conservation, and enrichment opportunities, the LPP is dedicated to providing every student with an inspiring and insightful education.
“The LPP also partnered with C.R.E.A.T.E Community Studios on one occasion, where the students created a mural," explains Cassie. “That active, creative, expressive portion of enrichment is so valuable, and I love seeing how the kids came up with so many amazing ideas. It gives me hope for the future because these kids are so bright and absolutely brilliant.”
Cassie has chosen the LPP as the target of her cause due to her personal connections within the organization and similar projects. Cassie not only relates to the program's mission, as she is set to receive her associate's degree from Schenectady Community College, but she also has ample experience working with current students in the community. Through her internship at the LPP, Cassie has been able to see firsthand the importance of keeping these programs supported. For Cassie, The Resilience of Whimsy Art Show is her way of giving back to a program which she has seen such amazing efforts come out of. Speaking with Cassie, it was evident how valuable her time invested in the LPP has been and how truly life-changing the resources that they provide are for local students.
“This art show is a conclusion in some ways,” says Cassie. “I still continue working through summer with the kids, but it's an internship, so my opportunity to work with them is short-lived, and it will be so sad to say goodbye, but this is a way to hopefully continue to inspire joy and whimsy.”
Through eight raffle baskets scheduled for the event, all worth over $100, the Resilience of Whimsy Art Show provides exciting opportunities for attendees to help support the program. Cassie specially curated each raffle basket to include prizes from local businesses located on Jay Street. With gift card offerings to places like the Bear and Bird Boutique, stationery, and art supplies, every basket is designed to reflect certain aspects of the LPP and the local community. In addition to an exciting array of raffle baskets to support the LPP, Cassie’s own art pieces will be displayed within Storied Coffee, as well as a performance showcase of student talents from the LPP.
“We'll have three high school students who have bravely decided to perform. Two of them will be singing, and one of them will be doing a spoken poem, a piece that they admire, and I am so excited to see that," says Cassie. “It takes such bravery, and it's also such a good opportunity for confidence building.
“One student in particular is graduating and moving on to bigger and better things, so this will be a great opportunity for them to step into their own and share something meaningful to them. I've been learning more as a college student how connection and community building is a necessity and to be an active part of your community and have those supports within is so impactful. This will hopefully be a great opportunity for that as well.”
To help support the LPP, the students that they serve, and Cassie’s journey as an artist and educator, do not miss The Resilience of Whimsy Art Show. With activities designed to excite attendees of all ages and a delicious array of drinks available at Storied Coffee, one can enjoy an evening of fun while helping to uplift an amazing local program.
For more event details, visit this link.