125 children and youth rush to the Carpenter Art Garden after school each day to be with their friends, family, volunteers, and staff. Our team includes three neighborhood residents who are catalysts for change, influencing a new generation of leaders who are transforming their neighborhood. We also have a staff of neighborhood teenagers through our Teen Job Hub.
Our story begins in July of 2012 with a single- blighted lot on Carpenter St. located in the Binghampton area of Memphis TN and a vision for more. This lot has now been transformed into 9 properties that boast outdoor art classrooms, organic gardens, two mosaic parks and indoor facilities that house our programming. Almost 12 years later, we have grown into a community organization that offers free year round art, education and vocational programming to hundreds of youth and their families. Our commitment to recognizing and expanding upon the natural beauty that exists within the Binghampton community has led to the expression of the vibrant community we are today. We draw upon the wisdom of the Binghampton community through our youth participants, their families and other community members to ensure we not only address the immediate needs, but continue to serve as an active partner in the fulfillment of their hopes and dreams.
Our commitment to listening and responding to the needs, ideas, and dreams of Binghampton children and adults helped us grow into the vibrant community we are today. We provide free year-round arts, educational, and vocational programs in nine beautiful spaces along Carpenter Street.
Carpenter Art Garden’s campus is located on Carpenter Street between Johnson and Mimosa — the main walking path between Cornerstone/Lester Prep School and a large housing development. The stability of our spaces, which many children call home, allows us to consistently meet the needs of neighborhood youth.
The Carpenter Art Garden campus
301 Carpenter St. | The Art Garden
The Art Garden is our original outdoor creative space. Children gather here weekly to create art, build relationships, and experience performances.
295 Carpenter St. | Purple House
Our multipurpose, indoor space hosts small group art and music lessons, computer access, community meetings, and a laundry co-op for families.
296 Carpenter St. | Carpenter Street Workshop
This workshop space provides vocational training in bike mechanics, sewing, and cooking. It’s also home to a community bike shop.
281 and 274 Carpenter St. | Community Gardens
The two gardens provide skills training, community building, and a space for families to grow healthy eating options.
282 Carpenter St. | Aunt Lou’s House
This little house is devoted to our educational programs. Outdoor tutoring rooms were designed and built as an extension to the indoor space in partnership with the University of Memphis.
273 Carpenter St. | Mosaic Garden
A community-led public art project that honors former Binghampton residents.
