Family First: Carry Your Story - Custom Canvas Tote Art Workshop

In this canvas tote design workshop, participants will explore visual storytelling by creating their own custom-designed canvas bags using fabric markers, acrylic paint, stamps, and stencils. The workshop focuses on personal expression through imagery, symbols, patterns, and color rather than traditional writing or collage formats.Participants will begin by brainstorming ideas inspired by their daily lives, interests, and personal style, such as favorite places, objects they carry, hobbies, or abstract representations of identity.Guided prompts will help participants translate ideas into simple visual designs, including activities like sketching icon-based “personal logos,”creating repeating pattern motifs, and experimenting with color combinations that reflect mood or meaning. Once designs are planned, participants will transfer their artwork onto canvas tote bags, learning basic techniques for painting on fabric and layering visual elements for impact. The workshop will conclude with a sharing session where participants can present their finished tote bags and reflect on their design choices. The result is a functional, wearable piece of art that expresses individuality in a practical and accessible way.

No prior art experience is necessary, and all activities are designed to be beginner-friendly and adaptable for different age groups.

Family First is presented by Novant Health

Joanly is a Boston native and first-generation Dominican American poet, educator, mentor, event planner, and multidisciplinary creative. She has been writing since a young age, with her interest in spoken word and performance poetry developing through her participation in the Miss America Organization, where she held the title of Miss Bay State. An experienced educator in elementary education and current youth mentor, Joanly supports teens of diverse backgrounds in their academic, personal, and emotional development through youth-focused programming that strengthens community engagement. She also owns and operates her own Spanish tutoring business focused on increasing language access and building student confidence. Her creative practice includes dance and modeling, including participation in New York Fashion Week, as well as sewing and various visual and hands-on arts and crafts. Her poetry explores themes of Black identity, immigration, self-love, and cultural experience, grounded in reflection, empowerment, and storytelling. She is committed to education, mentorship, and the arts as tools for growth and connection.