Exploring Art in our Communities
Exploring art in our communities. Insights from the wooden Fellows
- Frédérique and the Wooden Fellows
Art! Let’s talk about Art!
Since the beginning of 2026, the wooden Fellows and I, the human being as they call me, have been delving into themes to guide everyone to slow down and (re)connect with their inner child. Each theme is explored through our weekly notes to our followers, and at the end of each month, we share our adventures and some pictures in a blog post.
Defining art (in a way that makes sense to you), discovering art through senses (including French baguette), going on an art walk (and embracing all shades of color), the wooden Fellows are delighted to have you join their journey.
Haven’t met the wooden Fellows yet?
Well, you will learn more about them in this post, but you can also discover who they are and where they come from here through a quick click below.
What is Art?
Before we delve into the topic, the wooden Fellows have a question for you:
How would you define Art?
Of course, you could simply look it up, but we encourage you to close your eyes and reflect for a moment.
Here are a few examples the wooden Fellows collected throughout the month: “Art is something created for the enjoyment of others.”; “Art is making an idea come to life”; “Art is something that helps you express your emotions. It can steer emotions but it doesn’t have to.”
Creativity, emotions, enjoyment: what would you add?
Seeing Art in your life
Now that you have a definition, a definition that makes sense to you, let’s think about art in your life. It can be a painting, a song, a photo, or simply something beautiful offered by nature. Then, reflect on those three questions
First, think about the art you grew up with. What were you exposed to? What was available to you?
Then, think about the art you see now. What opportunities do you have to explore different kinds of Art?
Finally, think about both times. What is new now? What may be missing from the past? And what would you want a child to know about the art you grew up with?
Here are a few pictures of the wooden Fellows, with some prompts to guide your reflection
Madame Rigolotte’s creativity and enjoying others is second nature to her. Expressing herself, moving her body, she loves dancing, and even more so with a beautiful scarf.
When did you last move just for the joy of it, not for exercise, just for the feeling?
In a corner of the workshop, Maurice noticed an old, broken saxophone. Music can really touch our soul, but some instruments themselves are a piece of art as such.
What art would you like to explore just for the beauty of what it takes to make it?
Petite Clothilde found an old notebook belonging to her human friend. Painting is one of her favorite art, because she can pick the colors that remind her of the Land of Smooths and Mellows. Another connection to creativity and emotion!
Think of a young child. What would they express through painting?
Remember in the fall when Pierre Qui Roule collected unusual pumpkins? Well, he decided to do the same with a piece of driftwood. Mother Earth can be the most moving artist when we take time to slow down.
What object have you picked up and kept, just because it was beautiful?
Let's go deeper with two quests
Reflecting on a definition ✔ Thinking of Art around us ✔ Let’s go deeper with two quests: exploring art through senses, and exploring art in your community
Exploring Art through senses
“Have you noticed how easy it is to associate Art with sight or hearing, but less so with the other senses?” said Mme Rigolotte
So the wooden Fellows decided to share one picture that could relate to such an impromptu question.
And of course, they invite you to do the same. To help you out, the wooden Fellows created a free guide to exploring art through senses. The pdf includes several versions of a similar page to meet you where you are. You may do it on your own, eagerly coloring within lines, or with a young child, for whom lines may only limit their imagination (and add some frustration : ) Complete it in one afternoon, or over several weeks. As always with what we do, take your time, there is no wrong or right way, just slow down to better embrace the world we live in.
Maurice ended up choosing a picture taken in France, a couple of years ago, when he would join his Human Friend for a morning pause. Culinary art (and Maurice would definitely include a French baguette) is an art to see, but mostly to taste and smell!
What is your earliest memory of a taste that felt like art?
Madame Rigolotte picked a picture taken by her Human Friend, at the Galerie Dior in Paris, FR. Haute Couture is most definitely an art to see, with fabrics and patterns coming together in an utterly breathtaking way.
If you could wear one piece of Haute Couture, how would you feel?
Petite Clothilde, our dreamer and book lover, still remembers a moment spent next to the Little Prince, taken in New York in front of a beloved bookstore. Literacy is an art of seeing and hearing, with words (and sometimes drawings) on a page, somehow finding a voice inside you.
What book, read aloud or to yourself, has stayed with you the longest?
Few months ago, Pierre Qui Roule went to the Dixie Park in Raleigh, NC, and met one of Thomas Dambo trolls. Woodworking is an art to see and touch (and sometimes, to be a tiny bit afraid of, would add Pierre Qui Roule).
If you could ask one question about the Troll to Pierre Qui Roule, what would it be?
Going on an Art walk in your community
You may live in a community with murals, sculptures, or a museum. We encourage you to go on an art walk
The wooden Fellows, for instance, went on a mural walk earlier this month. Murals can be spotted all around Chapel Hill and Carrboro (NC), and this week, after their Art walk, the wooden Fellows are sharing four of their favorites.
If you are in the same area as the wooden Fellows, here are a few links to know more about the murals.
Wrapping up and introducing next month
Another month, another exploration with the wooden Fellows. Art is indeed all around: music, dance, painting, cooking, perfume, art is all around to blow all our senses away. So go and explore, and share your thoughts with the wooden Fellows, they love hearing from you (and always comment back : )
Next month will be all about the outdoors. Join our weekly note or stay tuned! We will be back at the end of next month.
