ABOUT ART ON THE MEND
Art on the Mend is a community arts program sparking creativity and connection through visible mending circles. Circles are welcoming, regular gatherings where people repair clothing and textile items using beautiful hand-stitching techniques.
Raised in Washington, DC, and Virginia, Founder Alison Davis-Holland (she/her) is an artist, cartographer, geographer, writer, master naturalist, and a big fan of art for healing and well-being.
As a breast cancer survivor and someone who deals with chronic health issues, Alison has benefited greatly from art, music, mindfulness, and social connection. She created Art on the Mend to be able to share these therapeutic practices with others.
Ultimately, her goal is to make it easy for communities to embed mending circles and creative healing practices into everyday life.
BENEFITS
Community
Our mending circles create space for meaningful connection across diverse backgrounds, ages, and skill levels. We believe that making together builds community bonds.
Wellbeing
Visible mending offers a contemplative practice that combines creativity with mindfulness. The repetitive nature of stitching helps focus the mind and reduce stress.
Sustainability
By extending the life of textiles, we reduce waste and consumption while celebrating the beauty of repair. Every visible mend is an act of environmental care.