Texas Commission on the Arts Roster Artist
Young Audiences of Houston Roster Artist
On nearly a weekly basis, Vickie McMillan-Hayes collaborates with the members of various organizations to create “collaboratives,” paintings typically designed by Vickie but actually created jointly by anywhere from half a dozen to nearly 3,000 people, all contributing to the work of art. Her intention with these volunteer efforts is to give people a hands-on experience with the art-making process, thus inspiring them to explore and pursue the arts as a means of communication on their own. “People are always worried that they’re going to ruin a collaborative,” Vickie notes, “but once they put down that first stroke of paint, a transformation occurs. I love to see the lightbulb come on!”
Vickie’s desire to change people’s perceptions about art through interaction has resulted in hundreds of collaborative projects. Many of these works have been auctioned off to raise funds for the sponsoring organizations, which include everything from community builders to social services for adults and children to educational and environmental programs. Just a few of the organizations Vickie has worked with are: the Houston Symphony, the Boy Scouts of America, Horticulture Initiatives in Georgia, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Texas PTA, Emergency Ministries, WeCare Residential Treatment Center, Montgomery County Youth Services, Above the Influence, National Youth Anti-Drug, Children’s Safe Harbor, the AIDS Foundation of Houston, Woodsedge Community Church Deaf Ministry, Downs Syndrome Children and Families, Interfaith Seniors, International Rett Syndrome, Interfaith in the Woodlands, and dozens of elementary, junior high, and high schools in the U.S. and beyond.
If a collaborative project sounds like the perfect experience for your organization, please contact Vickie for more information. Also, if you’d like to volunteer to be part of one of Vickie’s upcoming collaborative projects, please use the Contact page to let Vickie know of your interest, including your location and your level of experience in working with others.
