Step Inside The Welman Project

By Mouty Shackelford

Fort Worth’s creative landscape has grown even brighter, thanks to The Welman Project’s dynamic duo of Vanessa Barker and Taylor Willis, who recently launched an initiative that promotes sustainability and creative reuse through art. This exciting new project is designed to empower educators, artists, and community members to repurpose materials into valuable, artistic works.

Vanessa and Taylor are longtime friends with a shared passion for creativity and the environment, and they saw a unique opportunity to combine their love for sustainable practices with their deep ties to the Fort Worth community. As Vanessa shares, “We’ve always believed in the power of creativity to solve problems, and this new initiative allows us to help others use what they already have in new, inventive ways.”

The creative space is more than just a studio, it’s a hub for teachers, artists, and volunteers to come together and transform discarded materials into functional, beautiful new pieces. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative projects, participants will gain the skills and confidence to integrate sustainability into their own work.

The founders of The Welman Project are enthusiastic about its potential to make a difference. Taylor notes, “We’re excited to offer a space where anyone can come and explore their creativity while also making a positive impact on the environment. We’ve seen the impact of hands-on learning and how it inspires people to think outside the box.”

The Mission of The Welman Project

The community-driven aspect is equally important. Vanessa and Taylor have established partnerships with local schools, businesses, and nonprofits to collect materials and involve volunteers in the process. Volunteers play a key role in everything from sorting donations to leading creative reuse workshops, ensuring that the project is deeply embedded in Fort Worth’s fabric.

One of the key offerings includes educational initiatives designed to help teachers integrate art and sustainability into their own classrooms. Specialized curricula have been developed to teach students about environmental issues while encouraging creative and critical thinking. Additionally, supplies are provided to educators at no cost. The initiative also features a public space called the “Curiosity Shop,” where visitors can support the cause by purchasing items.

Beyond its educational mission, the space serves as a hub for the city’s creative community. Offering workshops in everything from woodworking to printmaking, it provides a wide range of activities for both adults and children. It’s a place where individuals can learn new skills, connect with like-minded people, and engage with art through personal expression and collective responsibility. Groups can also rent the space for events and creative parties, making it not just a destination for learning but a vibrant space for creative collaboration.

This article (like James Turrell’s Skyspace) can also be found in print inside the fourth issue of Artsy Scoop Magazine, which shines a spotlight on the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. It is published by local artist Mouty Shackelford. Find her at www.artsyscoop.com; on Instagram @artsyscoop; on Facebook @artsyscoopmedia, or email her at [email protected].