Community

Jessica Rudolph is the Founder and CEO of My Very Own Blanket, a nonprofit dedicated to providing children in foster care with comfort, love, and a sense of belonging through handmade, personalized blankets. Founded in 1999, the organization has delivered thousands of blankets each year with the help of volunteers across North America and beyond. What began as a quiet moment of knitting became a global community effort, transforming a simple handmade item into a powerful symbol of care, stability, and hope for children navigating uncertainty.

Susan Fitzgerald is a mother of three and grandmother of four whose creative practice is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Raised in a household shaped by making, she returned to watercolour during the pandemic, finding in it a steady and meditative rhythm. Her work reflects presence, experimentation, and emotional clarity, whether painted for herself or shared through commissions. Through art, Susan Fitzgerald continues to approach life with intention and quiet appreciation.

Value Books, a used bookstore in Ueda City, Japan, repurposes unpriced books into products and community initiatives. Since 2007, the company has operated a circular model focused on sustainability and local engagement.

Sakurai Miyuki is a Tokyo based designer and emerging artist whose work blends oil painting, watercolour, and crayon to create fantastical, narrative-driven imagery. Influenced by childhood memories, manga, animation, and a deep appreciation for nature, her practice reflects a balance between urban life and imaginative worlds.

Late October, in Starbucks, Caterina sat quietly in the corner, sparking my curiosity. Little did I know, a creative mind was at play. Meet Caterina Sauro—a young artist, community builder, and entrepreneur from Mississauga, Ontario. Blending visual art and literature, Caterina's journey unfolds—from self-publishing book "Hi, My Name is Monella" to founding @exproseyourself. Join us to discover how Caterina's passion creates a story that goes beyond the usual.

Based in Northern Manitoba, Denee Johnson is a self-taught artist focusing on body positivity and emotional healing. She uses vibrant acrylics and pastels to share her journey with anxiety and self-confidence. Through expressive movement and bold color, Denee aims to inspire self-acceptance and pride in one’s identity.