“Our Neighborhood, Our Stories” art workshops were a multi-part series focused on amplifying resident voices through art and conversation. It was a joy for me/Tim Kime Art, to host these gatherings right outside my studio during several Saturday farmer’s markets.
There’s something magical that happens when you set up a table, lay out small canvases, and provide paint pens and markers—then simply invite the community to get creative. Add in Goodwill’s shared commitment to sustainability and second chances, and you’ve got a recipe for connection, creativity, and a whole lot of colorful joy.
This fall, nearly 150 mini-masterpieces created by neighbors, visitors, and friends will come together in one big display.
A special community art tile reception will be held at the Woodridge Library in NE DC on Saturday, November 8 from 1 PM –3 PM. These tiles will be shown as a collaborative piece in partnership with the Greater Brookland Intergenerational Village, ANC Commissioner Ra Amin (SMD 5B04), GARD Lab, and Tim Kime Art.
Here’s how we pulled it together—and how you can, too:
1. Create a space for folks to connect
We tapped into the energy of the Brookland Arts Walk on a Saturday, when the farmer’s market is buzzing with vendors, music, and open art studios. A long table with chairs, mini-canvases, paint pens, markers, and even some sparkly “bling” set the stage.
Because of the partnership, this art opportunity was free to residents, visitors, students, vendors, and guests of all ages. The best part?
Seeing people of every generation laughing, chatting, and sharing stories while creating art side by side. Talk about drawing the community together!
2. Repurpose items to show off your stuff
For a preview reception, we wanted to display the tiles in a way that honored our neighbors’ collective creativity.
So, instead of buying something new, we went treasure hunting at Goodwill and other places.
- An old cabinet door, previously upcycled into a chalkboard, became the perfect foundation.
- Half of a stand-up, real chalkboard (also picked up at Goodwill for under $10) was also given new life as an exhibit backdrop.
- After protecting surfaces with painter’s tape and scrap paper, both were sprayed with several light coats of satin-finish slate blue paint. The fresh color provided a modern, unified look while letting the bright art tiles pop.
Design Idea:
One chalkboard had a carved flourish at the top, adding a touch of charm. To make the cabinet door “match,” we borrowed a carved piece from another chalkboard half and hot-glued it on top. With a bit of DIY matchmaking, they looked like a pair—proof that a little imagination can go a long way.
3. Arrange with intention, secure with hot glue
The tiles were laid out with balance and flow in mind—spreading colors, shapes, and images evenly across the backgrounds. Once I liked the layout, each piece was carefully lifted, given a line of hot glue, and set back in place. On the larger board, the thin lines of black between the tiles add extra contrast and make each design stand out.
It’s exciting to see how the community will respond to this preview.
Come November 8, even more reclaimed pieces—cabinet doors, chalkboards, and wooden panels—will be transformed into display frames/backdrops for this vibrant collection.
Goodwill is all about second chances—whether it’s for people or for materials. By upcycling old doors and chalkboards into art displays, you, too, can prove that with creativity, what might have been discarded can become something beautiful and meaningful. These art tiles aren’t just painted squares; they’re stories, connections, and reflections of a neighborhood coming together.
The next time you see an old cabinet door or other unused item, reconsider how it could be upcycled. With a little imagination, it just might become the doorway to community connection!
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- DIY: Collaging Creates a Cool & Quirky Canvas From a Classic
Tim Kime
Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach
