Building Bridges with Art: From Michaels Aisles to Online Communities

Building Bridges with Art: From Michaels Aisles to Online Communities


Art has always been more than color on canvas or graphite on paper. For me, it is a bridge, a way to connect different people, different generations, and different spaces into one shared community. Over the years, I have come to realize that my creative work is not just about making pieces; it is about creating touchpoints that invite people in, spark conversations, and most importantly reveal the beauty of human behavior.

I am grateful for two families that fuel this journey: my Michaels family, where I get to see creativity bloom in real time in the aisles, and my online family, who joins me from around the globe to share ideas, laughter, and stories. Together, they have formed what I like to call a mega community, a network of people linked not by proximity, but by creativity and curiosity.

Different projects have naturally evolved to meet people where they are:

For the younger audience: My Bolt Voltage robot book explores imagination, emotions, and discovery. It has been especially meaningful to connect with kids and also adults who feel emotionally hungry for stories that spark reflection and healing.

For the mid-grade, teen, and early 20s crowd: My Wonderland-inspired mirrors and black light art connect with those in a stage of life where curiosity, surrealism, and bold self-expression are vital. These pieces act as portals for conversation and wonder.

For the 30+ audience (and beyond): My eclectic cabins and scenery offer a sense of grounding and escape. They attract those who are looking for balance, nostalgia, or simply the peace of a landscape, though these works speak across all ages.

What ties all of this together is not just the art itself, but the intention behind it: to bring people together, to hold up a mirror to our humanity, and to celebrate the shared quirks, emotions, and questions that make us who we are.

Art does not just live in frames, it lives in communities. I am committed to continuing this journey of building bridges, one project at a time.

If you would like to explore more of my work and join the community, visit www.JDubsarts.com

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