What Grows When We Create

Reflections from April – by Shawnette Martinho

This past month has felt like a chapter-turning moment for Arte e Alegria — and, honestly, for me too. April was a month of deep growth, full of powerful “firsts,” small discomforts, big celebrations, and countless moments that reminded me why I do this work.

We hosted six events in one month — more than ever before. That’s more than one event a week filled with laughter, creativity, shared stories, messy tables, and beautiful outcomes. From family-friendly paint sessions to intimate workshops to market-style gatherings, the rhythm was fast, but so full of life.

And yet, when I pause and reflect, I realize it wasn’t just about the number of events — it was about the energy in the room each time. The people who showed up. The kids covered in paint. People bonding over art. The makers proudly sharing their crafts. This community continues to show up, support, create, and remind me why I keep building. None of this — truly, none — would be possible without you.

One of the proudest (and scariest) moments this month was being interviewed on Açores Hoje, a Portuguese-language TV program. Let me just say this: speaking on TV in a language that’s not your first is no small thing. I was nervous. My accent felt heavier than usual. I stumbled on words, my heart felt like it was going to explode. And yet... I showed up. And afterward, I was overwhelmed by the support I received. That moment taught me something about bravery and self-compassion — that showing up imperfectly is sometimes even more powerful than showing up polished.

Another huge milestone was the Goddess Goods Feira we assisted at Vulcana Brewery — a vibrant, overflowing marketplace celebrating women-led businesses and local artisans. The energy in the room was electric. Watching women makers thrive, and seeing so many people from the community come out to support small, intentional, local businesses — that meant everything. It felt like a physical manifestation of the values Arte e Alegria stands for: connection, empowerment, and community care.

Still, I won’t pretend it’s all ease and glow. Behind the scenes, April was also exhausting. Balancing logistics, creative direction, emotional labor, and visibility — it tested me. There were moments I wondered if I was doing enough, or too much. Times I forgot to take care of myself or questioned if the right people understood what we were trying to build here. But what I’ve learned — and continue to relearn — is that growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens in dis-comfort, in motion. In mess. In trying again.

So what grows when we create?
Community grows. Confidence grows. Courage grows. Connection grows.

And more than anything, We Grow.

Thank you to everyone who came to an event, shared a flyer, cheered me on, bought from a local maker, or simply sent a kind word. You are part of this story, and you are helping to write the next chapter.

With Arte & Joy,
Shawnette Martinho