Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cynthia Hagedorn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cynthia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on stems from my nonprofit organization, where I paint with children and adults navigating various health and life challenges. Every time I engage in these creative sessions, I’m profoundly inspired and grateful to witness individuals expressing themselves through color and finding healing in the process. Each experience is special, but one stands out—working with Aaron, a remarkable teenager with a brain tumor.

Aaron was part of a group of 12 kids from Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital who joined me in painting a car for ArtPrize. The energy and creativity these kids brought to the project were nothing short of magical. Seeing Aaron pour his heart into his work was unforgettable. The director of the Grand Rapids Auto Show took notice of their incredible artistry and asked if we’d be interested in painting a car during the show. We leapt at the opportunity, deciding to approach it as a Teen Project, with Aaron and another teen, Kendall, taking the lead.

Aaron shone during the Auto Show. His family, friends, and even his teacher traveled from across the state to support him, creating an atmosphere of celebration and encouragement. Watching Aaron beam with pride as he shared his art with the community was deeply moving. He wasn’t just painting a car—he was making a statement about his resilience, creativity, and unique voice.

Sadly, Aaron lost his battle with cancer just three months later. That loss was devastating, but it also underscored the importance of the time we spent together. For a brief but beautiful moment, Aaron’s art brought him joy, connection, and a sense of pride that resonated far beyond the canvas—or in this case, the car. His story reminds me why this work is so important: art has the power to transform, to uplift, and to leave a legacy that continues to inspire.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an artist and the founder of Community on Canvas, a nonprofit organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. My journey into this field has been a colorful evolution, combining my love for art, community, and making a meaningful impact. Before launching Community on Canvas, I spent 15 years running an art-enhanced event company, creating immersive, imaginative experiences for communities, families, and organizations. In the fall of 2023, I made the bittersweet decision to sunset that chapter of my career to fully focus on the mission of Community on Canvas—a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the arts and community.

Through Community on Canvas, I offer three key programs: Care on Canvas, which provides one-on-one painting experiences to individuals facing health or life challenges; Leadership on Canvas, a collaborative effort where community leaders and I create art that reflects their journeys and impacts; and pARTy!, where families and communities come together for joy-filled, imaginative art-making events. These programs are designed to be inclusive, accessible, and deeply personal.

What sets my work apart is its focus on connection. I’ve always believed that art is more than just something to look at—it’s something to experience and feel. My goal is to help people express their thoughts and emotions through color, even if they’ve never picked up a paintbrush before. This work isn’t about creating perfect art; it’s about creating meaningful moments and fostering a sense of community.

Transitioning from my event company to Community on Canvas allowed me to deepen this mission. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of painting with children and adults battling illnesses, working alongside leaders to tell their stories through art, and bringing families together in creative celebration. Each brushstroke represents a step toward healing, self-expression, and connection.

For anyone new to my work, here’s what I’d want you to know: Community on Canvas is for everyone. You don’t need to be an artist or have any experience—just an open heart and a willingness to explore. Whether we’re painting side by side in my cozy studio or collaborating on a project in a hospital or public space, my work is about bringing people together and reminding them of their own creativity and resilience.

Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for the 15 years I spent building art-enhanced events and for the journey that has brought me here. I’m even more excited about what lies ahead as I continue to create opportunities for people to find joy, connection, and empowerment through art.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I think non-creatives might struggle to understand about the creative journey is the idea that things don’t have to be perfect. This is a mantra I share with everyone who comes to paint with me, and it’s something I remind myself of constantly. Creativity isn’t about flawless execution—it’s about expression, exploration, and trusting the process.

In both art and life, there are moments when things don’t go the way we planned. The brushstrokes may not land perfectly, the colors might not blend how we envisioned, or the larger picture might shift entirely. But that’s where the magic often happens. The creative process teaches us to adapt, to find beauty in imperfection, and to keep moving forward with what we have.

This lesson goes beyond art. It’s about letting go of the fear of failure and embracing the joy of simply doing. Whether it’s a painting, a career, or a personal journey, we’re often our own toughest critics. Learning to release those expectations and focus on doing the best we can with the things we love is where true fulfillment comes from.

So, my insight is this: creativity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present. When we trust the process and allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we create space for growth, connection, and unexpected beauty. And that’s something we can all learn from, whether we consider ourselves “creative” or not.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal and mission driving me are twofold, and they’re at the heart of everything I do with Community on Canvas.

First, I’m deeply committed to benefiting those in need by providing them with the opportunity to process their emotions, challenges, and experiences through art. Painting can be a powerful tool for self-expression and healing, and I’m honored to guide people through that process, helping them discover the beauty and strength they already have within them.

Second, I strive to create opportunities for communities to come together through art. Art has this incredible ability to break down barriers and foster connection. By bringing people into shared creative spaces, I aim to help strengthen the bonds within communities, encouraging collaboration, mutual understanding, and joy. Whether it’s a family creating together at a pARTy! event or a community leader painting in my studio, these moments of connection can spark something truly transformative.

At its core, my mission is to use art to uplift individuals while also building stronger, more connected communities. I believe that through creativity, we can heal, grow, and come together in meaningful ways that make a lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Other: All of my accounts were recently hijacked!! I know!! ugh…. so I am starting from scratch.
  That is okay, I am determined to make them even better. :)