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…

I’m excited to highlight my collaborative partner, husband, and the person who helps turn big ideas into reality: J. Taylor Wallace. Who He Is J. Taylor Wallace is a 3D mixed-media artist and designer based in Knoxville, Tennessee. He previously ran Metal Magic Interiors Inc. in Chicago, where he became known for transforming creative concepts into beautifully crafted physical works. Beyond his creative practices, he is also a plant lover, community activist, and father of three (2 kids and 1 dog). What He Brings J. Taylor has a rare ability to bridge imagination and fabrication. He takes sketches, concepts, and…

The Garden of Celebration grows out of generations of Jewish tradition, bringing holiday plants into a living, communal landscape. Each plant in the garden connects us to rituals, foods, and stories that have shaped Jewish life across time and place. As we move toward planting season, we’re excited to highlight how these traditions will come alive—especially in these cold months we’ll think about the plants associated with Chanukah. Chanukah Plants & Their Traditions While Chanukah is best known for its lights, it is also a holiday rich in culinary symbolism. Foods fried in oil commemorate the miracle of the Temple’s…

During this season of giving, we’re reminded that every act of generosity helps shape our communal future. We’re excited to share an opportunity to support the Garden of Celebration, a community-centered public art project rooted in our mission of inclusivity, cultural relevance, and shared authorship. Our practice is grounded in research, dialogue, and collaboration—ensuring the artwork reflects the histories and values of the people we work with. The Garden continues this work by welcoming community members of all ages into workshops, design conversations, and hands-on making, fostering connection, pride, and cross-cultural understanding. If you’re able, we would be grateful for…

Building Stronger Communities Through Creativity Public art is more than beatufication, it’s a powerful tool for bringing people together and shaping community identity. When residents participate in creating murals, sculptures, or shared installations, they move from spectators to collaborators, building relationships and pride in the places they call home. Community-driven public art projects strengthen social connections, encourage meaningful interaction, and reflect the stories and values that make each neighborhood unique. This shared creative process deepens community identity and fosters a stronger sense of belonging. Collaboration is also at the heart of public art’s impact. When artists, neighbors, and local organizations…

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Garden of Celebration Drawing Workshop! We had more than 50 participants, each contributing creativity, curiosity, and community spirit. We’re excited to share that initial site prep has begun, and the project is officially moving into its next phase (existing swing demo and site excavation). The drawings from the workshop are truly inspiring. We now have a rich collection of ideas to guide the sculpture’s façade design. Your participation is helping shape this artwork from the ground up. Find images from the event here. Follow updates and get involved at by joining…

November 6th, 5 to 8pm = Celebration Garden Drawing Workshop  Arnstein Jewish Community Center, 6800 Deane Hill Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919 Join us for a hands-on creative experience! With a prompt inspired by the upcoming artwork, community center visitors are invited to sketch their own ideas for a celebration space. Participants will learn simple, quick techniques for observational drawing, perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Your drawings will be scanned and added into the facade design of the final sculpture—making your creativity a lasting part of the Garden of Celebration. All ages welcome—come draw, imagine, and contribute!

Emily Moorhead-Wallace and J Taylor Wallace in collaboration with the Knoxville Jewish Alliance have been awarded partial funding for a public sculpture on the Arnstein Jewish Community Center grounds in Knoxville, Tennessee. Chagigah Shel Gina (Hebrew for “Celebration Garden”) is a community-engaged public art and education project that includes a series of free public workshops, an artwork swing, and a garden featuring plants used in Jewish cultural traditions. Two public workshops will guide participants through the creative process. In the first workshop on November 6th, participants will learn sketching techniques and explore how individual and group drawings can be transformed…

Sherman Park Library 5440 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60609, https://www.chipublib.org/locations/64/Dates: June 1 to 30th, 2023 Supported by E(art)H Chicago, the ‘Pollinator Solace Columns’ project is exhibiting community artworks that inspired the outdoor sculpture. Through the month of June, drawings from Hermitage Community Gardens and Star Farms Chicago are on display at the Sherman Park Library.

With Chicago as its canvas, E(art)H Chicago will launch 12 artworks and a series of events between June 3-17. Thrilled for my project in collaboration with J Taylor Wallace ‘Pollinator Solace Columns’ to be included! With a mission to engage and inspire people across the city while centering the voices of those often underrepresented in climate conversations, @earthartchicago will feature the work of local artists on the North, South, Southeast and West Sides of Chicago and will include live dance performances, sculptures, interactive theater for toddlers & their caregivers, murals, documentary film screenings, & more! The public artworks aim to…

In conjunction with the Chicago Park District (CPD), Evanston Arts Council, North River Commission, and Marquette Park, IN, Sculpture in the Parks (SITP) is a leased program of large scale sculptures in different parks throughout the Chicagoland area organized by Chicago Sculpture International (CSI.) Works are site-contextualized to harmonize with the aesthetic of the particular park. Most of the sculptures are placed in front of park field houses, many of which are architecturally significant and have landmark status. These are designated as “cultural centers,” which offer cultural and environmental programs for youth, adults, and seniors. The sculptures are changed out…