Sycamore Services Launches New Art Program With Creative Abundance Residency — Community Donations Needed

Sycamore Services is preparing to launch a transformative new initiative this January: a two-week onsite art residency in partnership with Creative Abundance Consulting, a nationally recognized organization that helps human-service agencies build thriving, inclusive art programs. This residency will lay the foundation for Sycamore’s new Art Program—an initiative designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and create meaningful opportunities for individuals we serve across Indiana.

Creative Abundance is known for its hands-on, community-centered model that reimagines traditional day services. Their residencies help organizations shift from routine, task-based programming to dynamic “making spaces” where creativity, self-expression, and belonging take center stage. During their time at Sycamore, Creative Abundance will train staff, help us set up dedicated art-making environments, and collaborate with participants as they create vibrant, imaginative works of art.Learn more at: https://creativeabundancegroup.com

As we prepare for this exciting residency, Sycamore is calling on our community—families, staff, supporters, and neighbors—to help us collect the materials needed to launch a resource-rich art studio. These supplies will not only support the residency in January but will continue to fuel artistic exploration throughout the year.

Materials We Are Collecting

1. Fabric & Textiles

We can use almost anything—especially colorful, textured, or unique pieces.

• Prom dresses, sparkly clothing, everyday wearable items

• 100% wool sweaters (felted: wash hot with soap, dry on high heat)

• Cotton yardage, upholstery fabric, velvet

• Flat sheets, curtains, bedspreads

  
  

2. Thread, Yarn & Embroidery Supplies

• Single-color yarn and embroidery thread (bold colors preferred)

• Sewing thread

• Embroidery hoops (10” or smaller)

• Blunt-end, plastic, and sharp embroidery needles

  
  

3. Tools & Paint

• Fabric-only scissors, and paper scissors

• Acrylic craft paint (if you already have some on hand)

  
  

4. Workspace Supplies (Optional)

• Tarps or large cardboard sheets to protect floors, tables, and drying spaces

  
  

5. Odds & Ends (Highly Encouraged!)

Creative Abundance promotes a “use what you have” philosophy—many of the most exciting art pieces emerge from unexpected materials.

• Buttons, beads, costume jewelry

• Lace, ribbon, rope

• Foam balls

• CDs, 45s, bottle caps

• Wooden objects (chairs, desks, tables)

• Lampshades

• Bedsheets, duvet covers

• Any craft materials or interesting items you’re ready to pass along

  
  

Why This Matters for Sycamore

Launching an art program is more than adding another activity—it’s creating a space where individuals with disabilities can explore identity, creativity, and community. Creative Abundance specializes in helping organizations like Sycamore cultivate environments where people feel free to imagine, try new things, and express themselves in powerful ways.

This residency will serve as a catalyst for a long-term program that:

• Encourages creative growth and learning

• Builds confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment

• Connects participants to staff and peers in new, meaningful ways

• Brings joy, color, and imagination into daily life at Sycamore

With the community’s support, we can create a fully stocked, inspiring studio that reflects Sycamore’s commitment to helping people live more independent, fulfilling, and connected lives.

How to Support the Residency

Donated materials may be dropped off at 1001 Sycamore Lane, Danville, IN 46214. If you prefer to contribute financially toward supplies, you can make a gift at sycamoreservices.com/give.

Join Us for the Public Open House

The Creative Abundance residency will conclude with a public open house, where community members are invited to step inside our making space, meet the artists, and see firsthand the incredible work created during the residency. This celebration will highlight not only the art produced, but also the energy, joy, and connection that this new program brings to Sycamore

Learn About the Open House

We hope you’ll join us to experience the creativity and community spirit taking root here.