In 2023, AMC hosted three virtual series of “English for Art” (English for Art 1, 2, 3), an inclusive program which combined English language learning with collaborative art-making. 

Due to the amount of artwork that participants of the program were producing, the “Magic Forest” Virtual Exhibition was created to serve as a showcase for this art. Participants came up with the metaphor of the forest during the virtual workshop sessions, and it became a central part of the program’s ethos throughout its run. Just as each tree in a forest is unique yet contributes to a larger interconnected ecosystem, each piece in this exhibition represents the distinct personality of the participant who contributed it, capturing an emotion, an idea, or a physical object that inspired them during their creative journey.

Explore the "Magic Forest" Virtual Exhibition now and experience this vibrant collection of creative expression firsthand. Click here to begin your journey!

“Magic Forest” features three quilt blankets, each composed of many different participants’ individual contributions of paintings and sewing patterns. The quilts were designed and assembled by Ohio-based artist Tina Kelsey, who has over 20 years of experience in textile arts. The exhibition also includes examples of professional quilt work by Kelsey and other artists from “Passion Works,” an Ohio-based art collective dedicated to fostering inclusive communities through individual exploration and artistic collaboration.

About the presenters: 

Tina Kelsey is an Ohio-based artist with over 20 years of experience in textile arts. She is a co-organizer of the unique "Honey for the Heart" art parade in Athens, Ohio. More than 20 years ago, she left her job as a preschool teacher to pursue her passion for art. Initially, she made tiaras and sold them nationwide, but now she primarily works with fabric—transforming old clothes into art, sewing bags, aprons, making dolls, and decorating hats. She describes herself as "obsessed with circles" and frequently incorporates fabric circles into her creations.

Anna is a graduate of Ohio University (USA), Anna leads and moderates projects at the intersection of education, social work, and art. She began teaching English 10 years ago and soon realized that by bringing more "life" into her lessons, they transformed into something more than just classes—a window into the larger world, a social elevator, and a place for self-discovery. Anna is most proud of her international English club for people with visual impairments. When she’s not at work, you can find her in a museum, at a café with friends, or at home reading Harry Potter books.

Patty Mitchell is an artist and social entrepreneur specializing in collaborations between artists with and without developmental differences. As Executive Director and Founder of the “Passion Works” inclusive art studio, her dream is to turn sheltered workshops/day programs into creative art making spaces. Working through the art process, participant’s talents and passions become visible and the core of program design. Sewing, painting, photography, sculpture, giant puppetry, repurposed materials, and innovative approaches manifest as on site-specific public artworks. These spectacular installations leave no doubt as to the individual genius of the artists, encourage conversation, connection, and cultural development for the larger community. 

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ALL AMERICAN CENTER IN MOSCOW EVENTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE / ALL EVENTS OF THE AMERICAN CENTER IN MOSCOW ARE FREE OF CHARGE

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This event will be livestreamed on the American Center in Moscow’s  YouTube channel,  VK group, and  Telegram channel.

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To join other AMC Online programs, please check the American Center’s website and  TimePad calendars.