2025: A Year of Creative Action and Growth

by emoorheadwallace

In 2025, our work centered on making art happen in the world—through collaboration, community participation, and professional practice. Across public art, education, and art services, this year was defined by growth, stewardship, and shared authorship. I am so proud of the work we’ve done and love every day I spend making creative solutions and playing with art!

Building Chagigah Shel Gina (The Garden of Celebration)

This year marked a major step forward for Chagigah Shel Gina, a community-engaged public art and garden project rooted in cultural tradition, accessibility, and collective making. We facilitated public workshops, gathered drawings and stories from over 50 participants, and moved the project from concept into active development with early support from the Tennessee Arts Commission. The garden’s design brings together sculpture, plants tied to Jewish ritual and seasonal celebration, and space for reflection and gathering.

Community-Centered Art Practice and Creative Partnerships

Through hands-on workshops, dialogue, and design collaboration, we used public art as a tool for connection and civic engagement. Working alongside longtime creative partner J. Taylor Wallace and community partners including the Knoxville Jewish Alliance and Whole Foods Market Community Giving, we translated shared and input and aligning missions into site-specific work rooted in co-developed creations.

Professional Growth Through New Roots

Alongside our creative projects, New Roots Art Services continued to grow with projects. In 2025, we expanded our work to new regions beyond the Midwest providing museum-quality art handling, installation, collections care, custom display solutions, and logistical support in the greater Knoxville, Tennessee region, and Miami, Florida. New Roots reinforces our commitment to advocacy—ensuring artwork and artists are cared for with skill, respect, and long-term vision.

photo credit Kelly Ferguson

—Looking Ahead: Help Us Grow the Garden

As we move into 2026, Chagigah Shel Gina enters an exciting phase of installation, planting, and programming.

Volunteer to support workshops, site preparation, and community events

Donate to sustain free programming, materials, and long-term care of the garden (Select Celebration Garden under “make a donation”)

Partner with us to expand creative impact

Together, we can continue cultivating art that is shared, meaningful, and deeply rooted in community.

Learn more, donate, or get involved at emoorheadwallace.com and newrootstn.com