Community Art

As a community artist, I solve problems through the arts. I work primarily in the mediums of writing, music, and storytelling.

When I use the term “community artist,” I mean not just an artist who makes art in community, but an artist whose work is community. My intention is to affirm and strengthen unique voices, regardless of participants’ backgrounds or previous arts experiences. When engaging in community art work, I am diligent in bringing my full self, which tends to be a calming, curious presence.

For Artists and Community Members

Sometimes my community art is open to the public. The best way to hear about these opportunities is by subscribing to my email newsletter or following me on Instagram. When possible, I will include details on this page of my website.

For Organizations

I work with Anchorage organizations to strengthen our communities through the arts. In working with an organization, my process as a community artist involves:

  • Seeking to understand problems faced by the organization and the people the organization serves;

  • Identifying ways in which the arts can solve or alleviate those problems;

  • Developing responsive arts programming.

This is a collaborative journey that requires listening, adapting, and learning, together.

Are you an organization seeking to deepen your impact through writing, music, and storytelling? Visit my Contact page, send me an email at Lshscantlebury@gmail.com, or give me a call at (907) 764-3012.

Lauren stands amongst birch trees. She holds her guitar and wears a dress and winter boots.

Writing and playing music has been a substantial part of my life since my teenage years. As an adult I began expanding my creative practice outwards, to what I now call community art. Previous examples include: collaborating with Cook Inlet Housing Authority to create Pandemic Soundtrack, a community songwriting project (2021); guiding participants through community poetry making for See Stories’ Summit (2023); offering Story Navigation at Catholic Social Services’ 3rd Avenue Resource and Navigation Center in partnership with Anchorage Concert Association (2023); and developing my Stories for Joy creativity series (2019-2023).