B.U.I.L.D. is a transition point for Wave Pool’s studio and maker offerings. We want to make hands on skill sharing events more available, more often, and more affordable to accommodate all with an interest, whether they are creating for function or fun. With this funding we will expand our woodshop into a new, adjacent space on Wave Pool’s first floor, relocate the Welcome Ceramics classes to Wave Pool’s garage and kiln area, and transform the back of The Welcome Project storefront to be a tea drinking, snack tasting, neighborhood lounge for welcoming conversations, mindfulness workshops, and pizza parties. The classes and offerings will diversify and become more frequent, and we will be able to offer scholarships for those who could otherwise not attend these classes. 

The B.U.I.L.D. project fulfills many needs in our community. Our neighborhood and city struggle with drug addiction, poverty, and isolation. Suicide and depression rates are on the rise. 40% of Americans feel isolated. Creating things together and learning new skills connects our community and builds empathy between diverse residents. In a recent study by Topos partnership, it was found that investing in making sure arts, music, and culture "are available to people, it boosts the overall health and wellbeing of individuals and the community as a whole." From refugees to entrepreneurs, construction workers to fine artists, recovering addicts to returning citizens, these offerings have both a mental and physical impact on our communal health as well as an economic impact on our community.

This project is being led by a team of 5 artists. Scott Bellissemo is a sculpture artist with a focus on wood working who is spearheading most of our woodworking classes and manages the shop. Erika Allen is both a photographer and ceramicist who manages The Welcome Project and coordinates classes and other offerings for Cincinnati's refugee and immigrant community (and beyond). Julia Lipovsky is an illustrator and ceramicist who is also a teaching artist that coordinates classes and other programs with Wave Pool. Radha Lakshmi is a visual artist who works with printmaking, ritual, and other media to create community experiences. She is spearheading the installation of a community living room/lounge for The Welcome Project for this project. Calcagno Cullen (Cal), is a social practice artist who views community organizing, connecting both resources and people as her medium. She is Wave Pool's Executive Director and is the lead organizer for this project. Four of the five artists collaborating on this project are also Camp Washington residents, part of the community they serve. 

Having regular and accessible arts education classes benefits our growing community of residents and those who are creative-curious, as well as assists a group of hard-working artists ready to teach and share know-how with neighbors. We believe building things together brings our community together.