Rose City High School
Cultivating Creativity and Connection: Upward Together’s Partnership with Rose City High School
Upward Together is thrilled to announce our new partnership with Rose City High School in Pasadena, launching a transformative intergenerational program for students and their families at the end of this month. Starting October 30, our new seven-week workshop series will foster a space for parents and youth to connect more deeply with themselves, each other, and their environment, bridging generational divides through shared experiences, creative expression, and intentional rest.
This partnership—made possible through the generous support of Arts for Healing and Justice and the LA Arts Ed Collective—is a unique opportunity to address and integrate the interconnectedness of ecology, community, and self. Through our work with Upward Together, we’ve seen firsthand the power of grounding experiences in creative expression, and we believe this program will be a deeply impactful journey for all involved.
The Vision: Integrating Ecology, Community, and Self
The concept behind our workshop series is to provide a space for participants to contemplate, create, and connect. The emphasis is not only on creativity but also on cultivating mindfulness. By focusing on these values, we aim to enhance participants' understanding of how they relate to their environment, to others in their community, and ultimately to themselves.
In today’s fast-paced world, moments of stillness are rare. We designed this program to allow our participants to pause, offering a reflective experience that promotes peace of mind. Each session provides an opportunity to explore the ways our personal well-being is linked to our community and natural surroundings, leading to a fuller appreciation for life’s quieter, often-overlooked moments.
An Invitation to Create, Reflect, and Breathe
Each week, parents and students will come together to design and build simple, functional seating. These seats, crafted from repurposed and upcycled materials, serve as more than mere places to sit; they are invitations to breathe deeply, release the weight of everyday worries, and open oneself to a flow of creativity. Our aim is to foster a tangible connection between our participants’ physical and emotional well-being by providing them with a personal, crafted space for grounding practices.
In keeping with our commitment to sustainability, the seats are made from materials that would otherwise be discarded. This approach not only fosters a spirit of environmental consciousness but also instills an appreciation for finding beauty and function in everyday objects. Each seat will be as unique as the individual who crafts it, symbolizing both creative potential and a commitment to nurturing personal well-being.
Why Intergenerational Programming?
At Upward Together, we know that communities thrive when individuals of all ages learn and grow together. Intergenerational workshops foster deep learning by blending the energy and curiosity of youth with the wisdom and experience of adults. When youth and adults share creative, contemplative practices side by side, they build stronger bonds that can extend into their daily lives, enriching both family and community dynamics.
Working with multiple generations also allows participants to see issues from a range of perspectives. For example, young people today are more likely to be aware of environmental concerns, and their enthusiasm for sustainability can inspire older generations to adopt more eco-friendly habits. In return, adults share invaluable life experiences, perspectives, and solutions, creating a dialogue that benefits everyone involved.
Our Partners: Arts for Healing and Justice and LA Arts Ed Collective
This program would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our partners at Arts for Healing and Justice and LA Arts Ed Collective. Together, we are dedicated to creating meaningful, supportive environments for youth and families across Los Angeles.
Arts for Healing and Justice works tirelessly to bring creative arts programs to communities impacted by trauma and injustice. Their commitment to empowering individuals to heal through art resonates deeply with Upward Together’s mission, and we are grateful to collaborate with such a like-minded organization.
The LA Arts Ed Collective, meanwhile, provides crucial support to arts education initiatives across Los Angeles County, recognizing the transformative potential of art for young people. By partnering with organizations like Upward Together, they help create pathways for students to access arts education regardless of socioeconomic status, contributing to a more inclusive and vibrant arts landscape in LA.
A Safe and Supportive Space for Healing
Each session in this seven-week program has been carefully designed to offer a supportive, restorative environment where participants can share openly and engage fully. By blending mindfulness practices with creative work, we aim to help participants release stress, tap into inner calm, and gain a deeper understanding of their own feelings and experiences.
The seats created in this workshop will become part of the community itself—a symbolic and literal place for participants to rest and reflect throughout their time at Rose City High School. We hope that each participant, by the end of the program, will see their seat as a personal sanctuary—a reminder of their creative capabilities and their journey toward inner peace and resilience.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
One of the fundamental values of this workshop series is sustainability. By repurposing materials and reducing waste, we encourage participants to rethink their relationship with the environment. In an era when the effects of climate change are felt worldwide, it’s essential that our programming reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility.
These seats—built from reused materials—will serve as a small, but powerful, reminder of how we can live more sustainably. This initiative underscores the message that creativity and resourcefulness go hand in hand, both in art and in life.
What’s Ahead for Upward Together and Rose City High School
Our partnership with Rose City High School is just the beginning. At Upward Together, we believe that this program will not only benefit the participants but also have a ripple effect throughout the Pasadena community. As parents and youth build their seats, they will also be building stronger connections to themselves, to one another, and to their environment.
This seven-week journey is about more than creating art—it’s about creating community, cultivating peace of mind, and fostering the kind of intergenerational connections that build resilient, thriving communities. Each week will provide fresh insights and opportunities for growth, and we can’t wait to see the creativity and inspiration that will emerge.
Join Us on This Journey
As we embark on this meaningful journey with Rose City High School, we invite our community, partners, and supporters to follow along. Each session will bring new perspectives and insights that we look forward to sharing with you all. From the beautiful repurposed seating to the memories and bonds created along the way, we believe that this program will be a testament to the power of creativity, mindfulness, and community.
With immense gratitude to Arts for Healing and Justice, the LA Arts Ed Collective, and the passionate team at Rose City High School, we are excited to watch this partnership bloom. Together, we are building a brighter future—one that recognizes the strength of intergenerational connections, honors the importance of self-care, and celebrates the infinite potential of creative expression.
Thank you for supporting Upward Together as we strive to make a positive impact, one mindful moment at a time.
