Challenges: Finding ways to promote awareness of Earth’s natural resources; organizing workshops and obtaining art materials; finding ways to keep patrons engaged while learning new art techniques; coordinating workshops by community organizations.

Opportunities: Using patrons’ artwork to bring about awareness of climate change and the preservation of Earth’s resources; staff and patrons working together to plan and curate an exhibit; inspiring patrons to collaborate, learn new skills and engage in the community.

The COA program offers Miami-Dade residents the chance to attend art classes while creating unique, meaningful works of art. Through the COA program, patrons received instruction from library staff who are experts in the fields of art, filmmaking and photography. As patrons learned new skills, they engaged in meaningful dialogue on various environmental topics. They used their newfound skills and inspiration to create works of art that brought awareness to global warming and the preservation of the environment.

The COA program raised awareness of Earth’s fragile resources through the creation of original artwork. This popular program attracted over 300 participants who created art and multimedia, using art supplies, cameras and found objects. The program instilled pride and leadership in patrons whose artwork was displayed in a culminating exhibit. Additionally, COA inspired the creation of a Mobile Resilience Hub, constructed by the County’s Office of Resilience, in partnership with the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Center.