WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS

REWARDING MOMENTS 

Figure 1. Stanford Research Center, community workshop for their community, participants were from children above 4 years old to adults and seniors. 

STANFORD RESEARCH CENTER

In one of my community workshops at the Stanford Research Center, a 74-year-old woman was passing by the space when she stopped after noticing a tulip flower created by a 4-year-old young artist. Inspired by the child’s work, she asked if she could also sit down and create a tulip of her own. She shared how meaningful it was to see creativity across generations and felt excited to participate herself. 💗🌸🙋‍♀️. 

Figure 2. Hip Housing Community Centers, participants were seniors.

HIP HOUSING

“I cancelled my doctor’s appointment to be here today.” 🥹 Hearing that from one of my participants truly hit home. Sometimes, the best medicine isn’t found in a waiting room—it’s found in community, in friendship, inspiration, and the shared joy of creating together. Watching these amazing souls pour their energy into making bracelets reminds me why we create. It’s never just about the finished piece; it’s about the love, presence, and connection we offer one another. 💗🌸

 

Figure 3. Sunnyvale and Mountain View Libraries, participants were youth, adults, and seniors.

SUNNYVALE & MOUNTAIN VIEW LIBRARY

In one of our fabric flower workshops, two participants created a beautiful shared flower—an expression of love through art. Interestingly, without planning it, they each chose fabrics that reflected their partner’s colors. When I asked if this was intentional, they were surprised and realized it was not, yet their intuitive choices beautifully mirrored their connection. A similar moment also happened in another workshop with an Indian couple, where color selection again seemed to reflect their bond in an unspoken, instinctive way. 🌸 

Figure 4. Redwood city and Los Altos Libraries, participants were children and seniors.

REDWOOD CITY & LOS ALTOS LIBRARY

It was heartwarming when a mom asked if her daughters could join us during the workshop—and of course, I happily said yes. When they arrived, they amazed me with their talent and creativity. Each person approached the work with their own perspective, curiosity, and rhythm—and that’s what made it so meaningful. From the youngest hands experimenting with materials to decades of lived experience shaping thoughtful details, the room felt alive with connection.

It was a reminder that creativity doesn’t belong to a specific age—it grows, evolves, and stays with us throughout our lives. 💗🌸

 

Figure 5. History San Jose Museum, Yoga installation project for children at San Jose Roots festival.

HISTORY SAN JOSE MUSEUM

I designed this interactive yoga installation for children ranging from toddlers to 13 years old, inviting them to explore movement, creativity, and collaborative play. It was fascinating to watch how each child engaged with the installation in their own unique way. One brother and sister continually reconfigured the cubes, transforming them into skyscrapers, cityscapes, and a house, while another group of children incorporated the cubes into yoga poses and enthusiastically encouraged their father to join them. Witnessing their imagination, problem-solving, and joyful participation reinforced how open-ended installations can inspire both creativity and meaningful family interaction.  

 

Figure 6. One Step Beyond, workshops for adults with intellectual disabilities. This is an inclusive art program at Art Bias, made possible through the generous support of Dragonfly Community Arts.

ONE STEP BEYOND

Working with the students from One Step Beyond was a deeply rewarding experience. Each student expressed themselves in a unique and meaningful way. One student, who is blind and could not see the colors or art materials, created a yarn sculpture by carefully selecting and arranging different colors and textures with remarkable confidence and intuition. Witnessing this process was both humbling and unforgettable—it felt as though he instinctively understood the language of color and composition. Moments like these reminded me that creativity is not limited by ability, and that art has no boundaries. Every individual has a unique voice worth celebrating. I am grateful to have shared this journey with them and look forward to continuing this meaningful work.

 

 

THE MESSENGER OF PEACE 

Figure 5. Installation of participants works from The Messenger of The Peace Project. See participants

writings and individual work samples here and this link.

 

ABOUT THIS PROJECT 

This project celebrates the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May. In this workshop participants explored the cultural semiotics of the Japanese crane; a timeless symbol of hope and longevity, while learning precision textile construction to create a three-dimensional Messenger. This workshop offers a unique look at the intersection of Asian heritage, story telling, and sculptural geometry. Each participant expressed their thoughts about peace.

  

ARTIST STATEMENT  

Leila Ghasempor is a sustainable, interdisciplinary artist and community educator. She holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a Bachelor’s degree in Sculpture, and a minor in Art History.

Deeply invested in making art an accessible and shared experience, Leila has collaborated extensively with diverse communities and public libraries throughout the Bay Area.She believes in the strength of the collective mind — when people come together, ideas grow, inspiration flows, and art becomes more than a personal expression; it becomes a shared experience. Through her creative workshops, Leila strive to spark imagination, encourage sustainability, collaboration, and keep the energy of creativity alive in every workshop, conversation, and connection.