From Broken to Beautiful: Art, Repair, and Resilience

What is this project about?

This innovative program invites transitional housing residents to engage in creative repair and art-making using broken toys and damaged china, inspired by the Japanese Wabi‑Sabi philosophy – finding beauty in imperfection and transformation. Over an 8‑week creative series, residents will repurpose broken items into sculptures, then repair china using a kintsugi‑inspired technique, reflecting on the themes of resilience, change and the value of imperfection. The program culminates in a public exhibition, celebrating the participants’ work and stories of recovery.

Why is this project important to the community?

In Kingston, many individuals experiencing homelessness or transitioning out of crisis face stigma, isolation, and limited opportunities for creative expression or meaningful skill‑building. This project addresses those gaps by offering a safe, supportive space for residents to explore creativity, build repair‑and‑reuse skills, and reconstruct their narrative of brokenness into one of empowerment. By combining art, craft, and mindfulness, we strengthen community connections and transform overlooked materials and overlooked lives.
Target Completion Date
September 30, 2027
Location
494 Fieldstone Drive
Kingston
k7k 7e5

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