Bringing Free Art Workshops to Public Libraries: Local Nonprofit Spreads Creative Access Across North Jersey

By Ovi Paulter

Fair Lawn, NJ

We believe that art belongs in public spaces — not behind a paywall.

That’s the heart behind the nonprofit I co-founded with local artist Soo Kim. What began as a deeply personal experience — turning to painting as a quiet lifeline during a difficult season — has grown into a mission to make gentle, beginner-friendly art workshops accessible to more people.

Thanks to the support of local libraries, that mission is spreading.

We now partner with six public libraries across Bergen County, including Hackensack, Saddle Brook, Rochelle Park, and Glen Rock. Each library hosts our free quarterly workshops, offering their communities a chance to slow down, paint, and reconnect with creativity — no experience necessary.

We also work with a cancer support group in Verona, offering creative sessions in a safe, encouraging space. Our workshops are always beginner-friendly, use non-toxic materials, and are designed to be as calming as they are creative.

This is not art therapy — but it is art that welcomes. Our goal is simple: to offer a soft, beautiful experience where anyone can create without pressure and feel a sense of connection.

To keep these offerings completely free, we’re hosting an Art Night & Wine Tasting Fundraiser on Friday, September 12 at 7 PM at Soo Soo Studio in Glen Rock. Tickets are available via Eventbrite, and all proceeds go toward art supplies and sustaining our programming.

We’re grateful to every library and community group that has welcomed us — and to every participant who’s sat down, picked up a brush, and created something personal and powerful.

To learn more or support our work, follow Ovi Paulter or visit Www.floralsessionswithovi.org