Genese Clark
Advocate Lab
New Haven, CT

"Genese Clark, Founder of Advocate Lab shares her story of taking a leap of faith in creating a pedagogy and space for families to evolve together through art and meaningful connections. Based in New Haven, CT, she shares stories about the impact of working with her community to transform a vacant lot into a community gathering space, how letting go of the "P" word (perfect) can be transformational, and the power of joy-filled learning. "

"Strong Families —> Strong Communities—> Strong World

After interrupting the status quo, I started Advocate Lab where we use art and families. This Spring (2018) we partnered with the SW Beaverhill Neighborhood to bring our Family Strength Series! The partnership identified a vacant lot to hold the series and show how the space can be used as a creative space. Our final activity of the series was a mural on resiliency. A young muralist, Madison, let the activity/ Families from New Haven added to it. It was amazing! Because of the attention that we brought to the space, the neighborhood was able to build partnerships with URI and LCI to transform this vacant lot (used to discard trash, be a resting place for illicit activity) into a place of restoration, creativity, and well-being. Advocate Lab has led the way. We are excited to be building and transforming community on vacant lot at a time! #createyourownart.”

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Click Here to Download Hi-Resolution Image of Written Story Artwork