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Panels created during the Earth Day Artfest event on April 17th, 2025 Participants: |
Jamen Workman, Alex Garcia Tapungotj, Ameriah LaCross, Anastasia Boachi, Anne Flesher, Anjah AndersonLaking, Annaira Serratore, Azu Alfaro, Caitlin Strong, Caleb Rhodes, Callan Richard, Cedar Flesher, Cheyenne Chinn, Cody Johnson, Daniela Ramirez, Emily Hays, Evelyn Gonzalez Hernandez, Franz Martin Martino , Gabriela Melendrez-Chavarin, Giselle Diaz , Hannah Faye Valdez, Jacob Rechs, Jammie Oberst, Jan Mae Valmonte, Jeannine Bell, Jennifer Perico, Juvenille Romero, Karen Laramore , Kierra Ward, Koula Finau, Kristin Woodard, Mary Lou Glass, Matt Forbes, Melissa Ojeda, Micaela Rubalcava, Natalie Russell, Rebekah Stevenson, Renee Caudill & TMCC Preschoolers, Sasha Rodriguez, Serena Walton, Sierra Gentry, Stacy Morgen, Steph Le, Suya Lee, Tanner Heitzman, Taqwa Almafalani, Victor Ibanez, Vivienne Pecka, Yuriko La Rocco, Zoeie Magdamit
Volunteers: Natalie Ortiz, Erin Clark, Jelinna Webb, Hannah Mills, Rachel Lopez, Anne Hoff, Elaine Parks, Haley Deiro, Hailey Stoner, Nicole Engel-hickam

As I reflect on today’s collaborative spirit at the Honeycomb Project's gelatin printing and collage workshop, I am struck by the contrasting motivations of the people in attendance. Many attendees at the TMCC Earth Day event were primarily attracted by the allure of free giveaways, standing in line for up to thirty minutes to receive t-shirts printed with toxic materials in an inadequately ventilated space. This behavior highlights a telling aspect of our culture—one where consumerism reigns and the quest for free items often overshadows deeper engagement.
This phenomenon of lining up for freebies serves as a striking reminder of capitalism’s grip on our collective psyche, where the value of material possessions, even those that are ultimately disposable, often takes precedence over more meaningful experiences. The eagerness to collect every free item available reflects a mindset conditioned to prioritize consumption over creativity.
Yet, amidst this backdrop of consumer-driven behavior, there emerged a powerful counter-narrative, The Honeycomb Project. For some participants, the workshop represented more than just a chance to acquire something for free; it was an opportunity to learn, create, and collaborate on something that transcended individual gain. This transformative experience resonated on a deeper level, allowing individuals to connect with one another and with the creative process itself.
As the day unfolded, I witnessed the first participants return with friends, proudly showcasing their creations and eager to contribute further by helping to make more panels. The “Gelli” printing process turned out to be magical and enjoyable, transcending age barriers and inviting everyone—from preschoolers to senior citizens—to join in on the fun.
By the end of the day, over 70 people had connected through this project, emphasizing that while the allure of free items may draw people in, it is the act of creation and collaboration that leaves a lasting impression. This workshop became a testament to the power of art to unite, inspire, and transform, reminding us that the most valuable experiences often come not from what we take, but from what we create together. - Candace Garlock

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Emsley Lewis, Candace Garlock, Vivienne Pecka, Lucus from TMCC Preschool |
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TMCC Preschoolers learning the Gelli Plate monotype printing process - taught by volunteer Natalie Ortiz |
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Franz Martin Martino |
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Volunteer Rachel Lopez cleaning up the Gelli printing stations. |
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Melissa Ojeda |
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Volunteer Anne Hoff helping TMCC Preschoolers with drawing on top of their collaged prints. |
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Rebekah Stevenson |
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Some of the first panels to get to the drawing station. Many are from the TMCC Preschoolers. |
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Stacy Morgen |
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Steph Le |
This workshop was funded in part by Nevada Arts Council Project Grant and TMCC Innovation Grant.
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