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The teens constructing the sculptures are part of the Carpenter Art Garden’s Mosaic Art Apprenticeship Program, which is led by sculptor Suzy Hendrix and University of Memphis sculpture professor Kelsey Harrison. (Courtesy Brandon Herrington)
Carpenter Art Garden is pleased to name Jazmin Miller as the new executive director of the Carpenter Art Garden in the Binghampton community in Memphis.
Suzy Hendrix grabs okra while shopping at the Carpenter Art Garden pop up market event on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Since April, the nonprofit has distributed over 1,000 masks in the community. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
PHOTO COURTESY CARPENTER ART GARDEN
Children pose on a lot that would eventually become a part of the Carpenter Art Garden.
Tariq at Five Year Block Party Celebration, 2017
Tillman Sculpture Park under construction in Binghampton
By Kambui Bomani, Daily Memphian, January 8, 2024
A Binghampton-based nonprofit is turning an empty lot into an artistic green space.
Carpenter Art Garden and a team of collaborators are constructing Tillman Sculpture Park on the corner of Princeton Avenue and Tillman Street.
The .19-acre park will feature native plant species, 10 sculptures, winding walking paths, seating and shade upon completion.
The collaborators are HBG Design, Montgomery Martin Contractors, landscape designer Greg Touliatos, neighborhood teen sculptors and other local artists and residents.
“Shelby Canopy” Brings Public Art to the Wolf River Greenway
The project features two temporary installations that bring awareness to our trees.
By Abigal Morici, Memphis Flyer, November 15, 2023
We are excited to be part of Germantown Public Art Program’s first public art installation since developing its master plan in 2019.
An audio tour, accessible through QR codes provided on trail signs, will accompany both installations in English and Spanish, says Peña. “Specifically for Tree Tones, you’ll hear voices of children who’ve worked on this project [with Belleau and Churchill] about their experience with trees and meditation,” she says. “We went to Carpenter Art Garden, The Overton Park Conservancy, Lamplighter Montessori School, and Crosstown High.”
New Carpenter Art Garden leader has hope for healing
By Jane Roberts, Daily Memphian, January 18, 2023
We made it (once again) into the Daily Memphian, folks!
And I must say, the majority of the interview with Jane happened while I was on my way to New Orleans to hang an art show. I received the phone call with excitement and a hint of fear/trembling, hoping that I knew enough about this gorgeous place to speak to Jane about it. This is day 16, y'all. I'm still finding my way. But I have found the paper clips.
As it turned out, an inundation and outpouring of hopes, wishes, dreams, and fangirling came tumbling out.
I am understanding day-by-day why you support us, friends. Thank you for investing in Carpenter Art Garden. We continue to exist because of you!
And when you find a quiet moment, have a look at the article.
Peace,
Jazzy
Carpenter Art Garden announces new Executive Director.
Carpenter Art Garden is pleased to name Jazmin Miller as the new executive director of the Carpenter Art Garden in the Binghampton community in Memphis.
“Jazmin Miller is an incredibly creative and talented artist who has worked extensively with the Binghampton community for many years,” said Rush Waller, board president of the Art Garden. “Her desire to inspire children through art and her prior leadership positions are a perfect fit to become the director of our organization. We are very excited for the future of the Art Garden.”
A Memphis native, Miller holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre with a minor in Spanish from Rhodes College. She received a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Direction from the University of Memphis.
Most recently, she served as the Director of the Crosstown Theatre where she founded a youth theater program in partnership with Crosstown Arts’ Storybooth, an afterschool space for youth ages 11-18. In addition to managing the staff, building operations, and programming, she also worked closely with the Crosstown Arts Music, Film, Private Events, and Youth Theater program to curate each season of performances and events to achieve both mission and financial goals.
Before that, she was an instructor of Theatre at Rhodes College and a teaching assistant at the University of Memphis. She also was a resident artist at Rhodes College and worked as a Community Theatre and Teaching artist at several theatres, including Germantown Community Theater, Theatre Memphis, New Hope Christian Academy, and Hattiloo Theatre.
Miller said she is passionate about equity, youth, and education and is elated to be named as the Art Garden's new executive director.
The announcement of Miller helming the non-profit on Carpenter Street comes as the Art Garden continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Through the generosity of supporters, the Art Garden continues to provide space and community for the young people in the neighborhood to thrive by offering an array of artistic, educational, and vocational programs.
Miller succeeds former Executive Director Megan Banaszek, who recently announced she was leaving to pursue other opportunities. Banaszek, who started as a volunteer, was one of several employees and supporters to help with Art Garden's growth over the years, including the opening of Aunt Lou's House, a tutoring center, along with a bike shop, art shows, and a sewing studio.
Miller will begin her new job at the Purple House, where the Art Garden offices and indoor classes are located, in January 2023.
About Carpenter Art Garden: Carpenter Art Garden is a non-profit organization dedicated to working with the children of Binghampton to promote each one's creativity and self-worth through exposure to artistic, educational, and vocational programs. We partner with the Binghampton community to develop and implement vibrant programs that cultivate creativity, a love of learning, relationship-building, leadership, and neighborhood pride.
Winter Arts Guide: A celebration and anticipation for all the arts has to offer this season.
The Purple House on Carpenter was once a site of unseemly activity — “if you know what I mean,” says Megan Banaszek. Now, the house, which was rebuilt from the foundation, is home to Carpenter Art Garden (CAG), for which Banaszek serves as executive director. It’s still purple, but today its porch holds a communal bookshelf, bulletin boards of community activities, and a table of free bread and hats. Inside you can find art and music lessons for kids, community meetings, and a laundry co-op. “It’s funny,” says Banaszek. “People are like, ‘The Purple House does what now?’”
By Abigail Morici, Memphis Flyer, December 2022
Still growing strong: Binghampton's Carpenter Art Garden celebrates 10th anniversary
The turn from Mimosa onto Carpenter Street is like entering a new world. Lined on both sides by colorful houses, hand-painted signs and décor and lots overflowing with greenery, the street is a far cry from the ordinary apartment buildings and businesses around the corner. Welcome to the Carpenter Art Garden.
By Niki Scheinberg Memphis Commercial Appeal August 31, 2022
Letters to the Editor: We have a shot at ending the COVID-19 crisis. Let’s get it done.
Kamesha Hammond (left) receives her second vaccination shot from Meritan RN Jennifer Mohundro on Wednesday, May 26, at the Carpenter Art Garden pop-up vaccine site.
Daily Memphian August 24, 2021
Opinion: Use the resources we have to limit lives lost, support learning
University of Montevallo collegiate athlete Alex Langford receives a COVID vaccine Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, at Carpenter Art Garden in Binghampton.
Guest Columnist Steve Threlkeld, M.D. August 19, 2021
‘Welcome’ sign takes shape in Binghampton
Soon, anyone who drives, bikes or walks by the Sam Cooper Boulevard and Tillman Street intersection will know exactly the Memphis neighborhood through which they are traveling.
Five people – two adults and three teenagers – from the Carpenter Art Garden are spending three hours, two days a week completing the “Welcome to Binghampton” sign located at the intersection. The new sign also is creating additional neighborhood pride.
By Omer Yusuf, Daily Memphian July 22, 2021
Grizz Hearts has new artist, same heart
Richard Carr, known to most as Mr. Ricky, estimates he has individually cut thousands of wood hearts in the last decade. "I've made over 5,000 hearts," Mr. Ricky said. "Maybe more."
It's a project that quite literally comes from the heart.
“It’s really to bring people together," Mr. Ricky said.
Mr. Ricky's grandson, Donte Davis, started Grizz Hearts in 2012. It soon became a hit for Grizz fans.
Author: Jalyn Souchek May 26, 2021
First Horizon Foundation Grants $450,000 to 18 Local Arts Organizations
The local arts are getting another boost, this time to the tune of a cool $450,000.
Eighteen local organizations are set to benefit from the investment thanks to a partnership between ArtsMemphis — the primary arts funder for Memphis and Shelby County — and First Horizon Foundation.
By Samuel X. Cicci, Memphis Flyer April 22, 2021
Eat local: Here's our guide to Memphis-area farmers markets
The Carpenter Art Garden hosts a small farmers market every Monday and Thursday year-round.
Their community gardens provide skills training, community building and a place for families to grow healthy eating options. Carpenter Art Garden sells its vegetables throughout the neighborhood, as well as to the general public.
By Jennifer Chandler Memphis Commercial Appeal April 8, 2021
ArtsMemphis Gives Another Round of Operating Support
ArtsMemphis has announced its second round of fiscal year 2021 operating support grants – for a total of $850,000 – benefitting 48 local arts organizations.
By Jon W. Sparks, Memphis Flyer March 11, 2021
Binghampton organizations request neighborhood welcome sign
Neighborhood-based nonprofit Carpenter Art Garden is proposing a 4.33-by-6.25-foot “Welcome to Binghampton” sign located at the Binghampton Gateway Center, on the corner of Sam Cooper Boulevard and Tillman Street.
By Omer Yusuf September 30, 2020
Thread of love runs through each mask sewn for Binghampton neighbors
Over the past four months, the Carpenter Art Garden, located on Carpenter Street, has distributed over 1,000 masks in Binghampton – free of charge – for both adults and children.
By Omer Yusuf August 24, 2020
Growing Art, Vegetables, and Community
In Binghampton, Carpenter Art Garden provides a space for the neighborhood to work, play, and learn together.
by Matthew J. Harris, Memphis Magazine, July 23, 2020
Guest column: The secret garden that changes lives through art
Memphis Business Journal, May 21, 2020
Proud neighborhood cherishes its diversity while planning growth
By David Waters, Special to the Daily Memphian, Updated: February 14, 2020
Carpenter Art Garden Teens Paint Faces and Dreams of Binghampton
Daily Memphian, December 1, 2019
How the Carpenter Art Garden built a haven for Memphis youth in Binghampton
by Sarah Macaraeg, Memphis Commercial Appeal, November 30, 2019
Scenes and Sights from the Carpenter Art Garden’s Multiple Properties in Binghampton
Commercial Appeal, November 30, 2019
UrbanArt Commission selects four neighborhoods for new public art program
The UrbanArt Commission is partnering with four Memphis neighborhoods as it launches its Neighborhood Art Initiative later this year.
By Omer Yusuf October 18, 2019
Carpenter Art Garden continues to grow with ‘Aunt Lou’s House’ tutoring center
Latanya Jones’ children have been coming to the Carpenter Art Garden “purple house” in the Binghampton neighborhood for years. Now in addition to the “purple house,” her children also will be able to go to the “turquoise house,” a new addition at the six-year-old Art Garden.
By Yolanda Jones September 26, 2018
Crosstown Concourse dispenser spits out art made by Binghampton children
There’s a different kind of dispensing machine in the Crosstown Concourse.
Instead of candy, 50 cents gets you art made by children in Binghampton.
“We painted a lot of pictures, and then afterwards, they were folded up and put in these little things,” said 13-year-old Tariq Muhammad.
by: Jessica Gertler, News Channel 3 Posted: July 26, 2018
Carpenter Art Garden celebrates five years with a block party
by Makayla Boswell, USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee, July 21, 2017
All Heart: Carpenter Art Garden Cultivates Community
By Aisling Maki, Memphis Daily News, July 2017
Carpenter Art Garden transforms a community
What was once a dilapidated lot five years ago, has become something new that has transformed an entire neighborhood.
by: Eryn Taylor, Markova Reed WREG, Posted: Jun 29, 2017
400 paddlers race down the Mississippi in Annual Memphis Canoe, Kayak Race
by Jennifer Pignolet, Memphis Commercial Appeal, June 2016
Carpenter Art Garden to open community bicycle shop
By Meagan Nichols – Managing Editor, Memphis Business Journal, Apr 25, 2016
An after school program in Binghampton gives art to children
Memphis Mirror, November 2015.
Carpenter Art Garden helps children through art
WREG, May 2015
Art Garden rallies children, families around neighborhood improvement
By Andy Meek, Daily News, January 2015
The Hamp
Spurred by the success of Broad Avenue and the Shelby Farms Greenline, good things are happening in Binghampton
Memphis Flyer, November 2013