Sara Barraclough, a woodcarver and painter from St. George, has found a unique way to bring joy to her community during the summer months. She started a project called 'art drops', where she creates a unique art piece and posts a clue to its location on a local Facebook page. This simple act of kindness has had a profound impact on people's lives, as evidenced by the positive responses she has received.
One of the most heartwarming stories is about a family of three little girls who found one of her hidden art pieces. The mother posted a picture of the girls' excited reaction, and Barraclough felt a sense of fulfillment and happiness from making someone's day brighter. This experience inspired her to continue her art drops, as she believes in the power of spreading happiness and positivity.
Barraclough's initiative is not just about creating art; it's also a way for her to connect with kids during the summer break. As a life skills teacher at a local charter school, she understands the importance of finding positive outlets for children, especially during a time when they might feel lost or disconnected. Her own personal struggles, including a difficult marriage and the challenges of being a new mom, have made her appreciate the importance of channeling negative emotions into something positive.
Her journey with art began about a decade ago when she started woodcarving and painting as a way to connect with her ancestral roots and turn negative feelings into a physical positive. She found that learning new skills and channeling her creativity into art helped her cope with life's challenges. This led her to start sharing her creations on social media, where she gained a following and even published books and won awards.
Barraclough's passion for art and her desire to spread happiness have led her to continue her art drops throughout the summer. She believes that art has the power to make people happy and that treasure hunts, especially when they are attainable, can bring joy to people of all ages. Her initiative not only brings smiles to people's faces but also fosters a sense of community and connection, making it a truly meaningful and impactful project.
