Susan S. Buzzi‘s innovative concept for  bringing mindfulness techniques to her students has resulted in another Individual Artist Grant from The Broward County Cultural Division, “Creative Wellness”. She and Dr. Jeff Pickens facilitated an intergenerational and multi-disciplinary community workshop resulting in this newest art exhibit at Tamarac Community Center on Saturday, November 23.  The exhibit remains open to the public through December 31, 2024.  The Rickie Report shares the details and some sneak peeks.

Word Cloud – Group 2:  ages 22 – 55 years

Tamarac   Community   Center

8601  W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac, FL. 

For information please call (954) 597-3620

Exhibit continues through December 31, 2024

Susan S. Buzzi tells The Rickie Report, “As a coach practitioner and arts educator at Atlantis Academy in Coral Springs, I have been incorporating mindfulness and focus techniques throughout my lesson plans for students.  And so, as the last school year was ending, I began writing a proposal for possible funding under an Individual Artist Grant with Broward County. After submission, significant cuts were made across the state and so quite honestly, my expectations disappeared.  However, I did receive surprising news mid-October for which I am most grateful”.  

Mandala by Valentina

 “Creative Wellness” is an intergenerational, multi-disciplinary and art-based therapy project; celebrating balance and wellness through creativity while addressing Early Childhood Mental Health, International Stress Awareness Day, World Kindness Day and Self Care Week during the month of November.  The community workshop was held November 4^th at Tamarac Community Center and was facilitated by Susan Buzzi and project collaborator Dr. Jeff Pickens. 

Participants took part in learning to express emotions through art and music.  “Word clouds” were created based on responses to “mindfulness” in 3 age groups: under 21 years; 22-55 years; and over 55+ years.  Completed works include collage, mandalas, and inspirational colorings on display in the exhibition opening November 23^rd. 

“Just Be Here Now” Photography by Susan S. Buzzi

Also featured are the works by selected students from Atlantis Academy along with a few of Buzzi’s photographs.  A film by videographer and collaborator Isabel Medina is also a component of the project.

‘From kindergarten to high school, I am so very proud of my students and the effort they each put forth.  Being present in the moment, breathing and relaxing, practicing kindness and gratitude, experiencing joy, and living healthy IS overall wellness and necessary as we navigate through our fast-paced lifestyles. The opportunity to present this important programming with the funding support from Broward County Cultural Division is indeed, gratifying; and the goal remains and has perhaps become more urgent for the arts to continue to be transformative, magical and available to everyone.  My message is simple … be creative – be inspired – and be well!’

For information about this event please call (954) 597-3620

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

Rickie@therickiereport.com   561-537-0291

Susan S. Buzzi of Tamarac, FL received an Individual Artist Grant from The Broward County Cultural Division to present “The Kindness Project”.  She and Dr. Jeff Pickens held an  intergenerational and multi-disciplinary community workshop, resulting in an art exhibit opening at the Tamarac Community Center on Saturday, May 27, 2023. The Rickie Report shares the details and some sneak peeks.

“T h e      K i n d n e s s      P r o j e c t”

Tamarac   Community   Center

8601  W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac, FL. 

For information please call (954) 597-3620

The goal of “The Kindness Project” is to promote wellness, mindfulness and empathy through art in Broward’s diverse communities 

Dr. Jeff Pickens, Commissioner Elvin Villalobos, District 3 of Tamarac, Susan S. Buzzi

Buzzi goes on to explain, “The unnatural isolation transformed itself into an unexpected camaraderie through zoom meetings and classes; hence, the birth of the “The Kindness Project”.  The article, my documentary and this programming concentrates entirely on the absolute need for compassion, empathy and kindness in our world today.  The concept is so simple; yet essential to survive and thrive”. 

The word clouds are comprised of responses from 4 age groups in the community when asked in an anonymous survey, “How do you describe kindness?”.  The results are interesting, similar in some cases, but above all, optimistic!

Word cloud by participants in workshop ages 16 – 20

As most now function in some form of normalcy post Pandemic, the impact, unfortunately, still lingers for some – both physically and psychologically.  Connecting with one another has become so important – for everyone … and it is certainly a pleasure for Buzzi to present this programming in her city of Tamarac and with her mentor Dr. Jeff Pickens during National Mental Health Awareness Month. 

The exhibition will feature between 50 – 55 pieces completed by participants in the community workshop, Buzzi’s students at Atlantis Academy and her own artworks. 

Buzzi tells The Rickie Report, “I am so very proud of my students’ efforts and am hopeful that we can all learn to inspire each other, be present and be kind”.  

The bottom line – kindness never goes out of style and we can always share a smile!

For information about this event please call (954) 597-3620.

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

Rickie@therickiereport.com   561-537-0291

17019 SW Sapri Way   Port St. Lucie, FL 34986