fig® - Downtown Lancaster

Janae Dagen, Teen Haven Staff at Water Street Ministries shares this story about the power of our Social Mission partner,  Open Studio.

Recently, I was a part of an Open Studio session with the teenage girls at Teen Haven (on S. Prince St). This was made possible through the generous partnership of local artist and designer Deborah Serdy!

Imagine a room full of energetic teenage girls, as they are awaiting an opportunity to design something to reflect their personality and style. You guessed it… the room was bursting with anticipation and excitement!

As Deborah arrived and was setting up her supplies and samples of her up-cycled clothing line (My Aunt Debbie), the girls asked, “Can we call you Auntie Debbie?”  She grinned and responded that, they certainly could.

‘Auntie Debbie’ explained that each girl would be able to transform their old t-shirts into their very own handbag. She demonstrated the process, and before long the girls launched into selecting their fabrics, carefully cutting the shirts, and creating tassels until… Voila! Each girl had her own custom designed bag!

Throughout this session it was such a delight to see the girls working together to help their friends figure out the best way to make her bag. ‘Auntie Debbie’ did a tremendous job of stepping in, and encouraging the girls as they worked, cut, and completed their bags. Deb’s willingness to come alongside and encourage the girls, reflected patience and a determination that seemed to boost the confidence and purpose in the room! I was equally encouraged and inspired by the way that she even helped some of the girls who simply couldn’t stop after one project – to make their own altered shirts, scarves, and more.

Deborah shared, “The girls were so funny and sweet and enthusiastic – and came up with their own awesome designs. I think I always learn much more from them then they do from me!”

This Open Studio activity was really a neat way to help the girls have fun and get creative as they discovered a new form of art! The approach of up-cycling their clothing is really even demonstrative of how with some time, creativity, and inspiration, we can transform even old unusable items into unique and distinctive pieces.

Open Studio is an interactive arts initiative of Water Street Ministries, and also one of the current social missions of fig! Currently there is a growing group of artists who are engaging in art opportunities at Water Street Ministries. Artists use their creativity – and expertise – to share in relationship and experiences within each of the five divisions of Water Street Ministries. To learn more about Open Studio visit: www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/OpenStudio

Deborah Serdy’s custom clothing line known as ‘My Aunt Debbie’, is showcased as a part of the Mommalicious boutique on N. Queen St – or can be explored online at: www.myauntdebbie.com