The start of the school year also means the end of summer and an end to the ways that students have been filling their days for the past few months. Raymond Hildreth ’25 decided to take a position at Hollis Artspace, a center located in Raymond’s hometown of Hollis, New Hampshire, aimed at educating the community about art and offering a space for creation. Raymond took his love for helping others beyond the Circle….
While the center provides classes for all ages, Raymond worked with kids ranging from 5 to 15 years old, split into two different age groups. The days revolved around cultivating creativity and establishing the skills required to execute on an artistic idea The students worked on various art projects throughout the summer. Each project, ranging from felting to shaping clay sculptures, was assigned a theme, such as “under the sea” or “mythical creatures.” This variation in mediums not only helped to keep the children engaged but also broadened their skill sets while allowing the children to determine which styles they enjoy. But the center’s dedication to fostering creativity extends beyond the art projects themselves as they nurture a sense of collaboration and community among the participants.
When asked how he decided to work at Hollis Artspace, Raymond responded, “It just made sense.” He explained how Hollis Artspace has “always been in [his] life” since taking classes at the center as a child. He described Hollis Artspace as an “integral part of the community,” offering a valuable opportunity for children to push their creativity and develop their artistic abilities. When prompted to recount the best part of the job, Raymond explained that “it’s so great getting to watch [the kids] improve their skills.” Spaces designed for group activities and education, such as Hollis Artspace, facilitate an environment that “really lets you bond” with community members while providing an enriching service that benefits the area.
Although summer work is often associated with annoyance and dread, Raymond reported that when his two months at Hollis Artspace ended, he was surprised at how quickly the time had passed and how rewarding the experience turned out to be. These positive feelings and memories are indicative of the good work carried out by Hollis Artspace, as well as the necessity and overlap between art and community.
