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The teens constructing the sculptures are part of the Carpenter Art Garden’s Mosaic Art Apprenticeship Program, which is led by sculptor Suzy Hendrix and University of Memphis sculpture professor Kelsey Harrison. (Courtesy Brandon Herrington)

Carpenter Art Garden is pleased to name Jazmin Miller as the new executive director of the Carpenter Art Garden in the Binghampton community in Memphis.

Suzy Hendrix grabs okra while shopping at the Carpenter Art Garden pop up market event on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Since April, the nonprofit has distributed over 1,000 masks in the community. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)

PHOTO COURTESY CARPENTER ART GARDENChildren pose on a lot that would eventually become a part of the Carpenter Art Garden. — PHOTO COURTESY CARPENTER ART GARDEN
*Children pose on a lot that would eventually become a part of the Carpenter Art Garden.*

Tariq at Five Year Block Party Celebration, 2017

Tillman Sculpture Park under construction in Binghampton

By Kambui Bomani, Daily Memphian, January 8, 2024

A Binghampton-based nonprofit is turning an empty lot into an artistic green space.

Carpenter Art Garden and a team of collaborators are constructing Tillman Sculpture Park on the corner of Princeton Avenue and Tillman Street.

The .19-acre park will feature native plant species, 10 sculptures, winding walking paths, seating and shade upon completion.

The collaborators are HBG Design, Montgomery Martin Contractors, landscape designer Greg Touliatos, neighborhood teen sculptors and other local artists and residents.

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“Shelby Canopy” Brings Public Art to the Wolf River Greenway

The project features two temporary installations that bring awareness to our trees.

By Abigal Morici, Memphis Flyer, November 15, 2023

We are excited to be part of Germantown Public Art Program’s first public art installation since developing its master plan in 2019.

An audio tour, accessible through QR codes provided on trail signs, will accompany both installations in English and Spanish, says Peña. “Specifically for Tree Tones, you’ll hear voices of children who’ve worked on this project [with Belleau and Churchill] about their experience with trees and meditation,” she says. “We went to Carpenter Art Garden, The Overton Park Conservancy, Lamplighter Montessori School, and Crosstown High.”

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New Carpenter Art Garden leader has hope for healing

By Jane Roberts, Daily Memphian, January 18, 2023

We made it (once again) into the Daily Memphian, folks!

And I must say, the majority of the interview with Jane happened while I was on my way to New Orleans to hang an art show. I received the phone call with excitement and a hint of fear/trembling, hoping that I knew enough about this gorgeous place to speak to Jane about it. This is day 16, y'all. I'm still finding my way. But I have found the paper clips.

As it turned out, an inundation and outpouring of hopes, wishes, dreams, and fangirling came tumbling out.

I am understanding day-by-day why you support us, friends. Thank you for investing in Carpenter Art Garden. We continue to exist because of you!

And when you find a quiet moment, have a look at the article.

Peace,
Jazzy

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Carpenter Art Garden announces new Executive Director.

Carpenter Art Garden is pleased to name Jazmin Miller as the new executive director of the Carpenter Art Garden in the Binghampton community in Memphis.

“Jazmin Miller is an incredibly creative and talented artist who has worked extensively with the Binghampton community for many years,” said Rush Waller, board president of the Art Garden. “Her desire to inspire children through art and her prior leadership positions are a perfect fit to become the director of our organization. We are very excited for the future of the Art Garden.”

A Memphis native, Miller holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre with a minor in Spanish from Rhodes College. She received a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Direction from the University of Memphis.

Most recently, she served as the Director of the Crosstown Theatre where she founded a youth theater program in partnership with Crosstown Arts’ Storybooth, an afterschool space for youth ages 11-18. In addition to managing the staff, building operations, and programming, she also worked closely with the Crosstown Arts Music, Film, Private Events, and Youth Theater program to curate each season of performances and events to achieve both mission and financial goals.

Before that, she was an instructor of Theatre at Rhodes College and a teaching assistant at the University of Memphis. She also was a resident artist at Rhodes College and worked as a Community Theatre and Teaching artist at several theatres, including Germantown Community Theater, Theatre Memphis, New Hope Christian Academy, and Hattiloo Theatre.

Miller said she is passionate about equity, youth, and education and is elated to be named as the Art Garden's new executive director.

The announcement of Miller helming the non-profit on Carpenter Street comes as the Art Garden continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Through the generosity of supporters, the Art Garden continues to provide space and community for the young people in the neighborhood to thrive by offering an array of artistic, educational, and vocational programs.

Miller succeeds former Executive Director Megan Banaszek, who recently announced she was leaving to pursue other opportunities. Banaszek, who started as a volunteer, was one of several employees and supporters to help with Art Garden's growth over the years, including the opening of Aunt Lou's House, a tutoring center, along with a bike shop, art shows, and a sewing studio.

Miller will begin her new job at the Purple House, where the Art Garden offices and indoor classes are located, in January 2023.

About Carpenter Art Garden: Carpenter Art Garden is a non-profit organization dedicated to working with the children of Binghampton to promote each one's creativity and self-worth through exposure to artistic, educational, and vocational programs. We partner with the Binghampton community to develop and implement vibrant programs that cultivate creativity, a love of learning, relationship-building, leadership, and neighborhood pride.

Winter Arts Guide: A celebration and anticipation for all the arts has to offer this season.

The Purple House on Carpenter was once a site of unseemly activity — “if you know what I mean,” says Megan Banaszek. Now, the house, which was rebuilt from the foundation, is home to Carpenter Art Garden (CAG), for which Banaszek serves as executive director. It’s still purple, but today its porch holds a communal bookshelf, bulletin boards of community activities, and a table of free bread and hats. Inside you can find art and music lessons for kids, community meetings, and a laundry co-op. “It’s funny,” says Banaszek. “People are like, ‘The Purple House does what now?’”

By Abigail Morici, Memphis Flyer, December 2022

Still growing strong: Binghampton's Carpenter Art Garden celebrates 10th anniversary

The turn from Mimosa onto Carpenter Street is like entering a new world. Lined on both sides by colorful houses, hand-painted signs and décor and lots overflowing with greenery, the street is a far cry from the ordinary apartment buildings and businesses around the corner. Welcome to the Carpenter Art Garden.

By Niki Scheinberg Memphis Commercial Appeal August 31, 2022

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Letters to the Editor: We have a shot at ending the COVID-19 crisis. Let’s get it done.

Kamesha Hammond (left) receives her second vaccination shot from Meritan RN Jennifer Mohundro on Wednesday, May 26, at the Carpenter Art Garden pop-up vaccine site.

Daily Memphian August 24, 2021

Opinion: Use the resources we have to limit lives lost, support learning

University of Montevallo collegiate athlete Alex Langford receives a COVID vaccine Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, at Carpenter Art Garden in Binghampton.

Guest Columnist Steve Threlkeld, M.D. August 19, 2021

‘Welcome’ sign takes shape in Binghampton

Soon, anyone who drives, bikes or walks by the Sam Cooper Boulevard and Tillman Street intersection will know exactly the Memphis neighborhood through which they are traveling.

Five people – two adults and three teenagers – from the Carpenter Art Garden are spending three hours, two days a week completing the “Welcome to Binghampton” sign located at the intersection. The new sign also is creating additional neighborhood pride.

By Omer Yusuf, Daily Memphian July 22, 2021

Grizz Hearts has new artist, same heart

Richard Carr, known to most as Mr. Ricky, estimates he has individually cut thousands of wood hearts in the last decade. "I've made over 5,000 hearts," Mr. Ricky said. "Maybe more."

It's a project that quite literally comes from the heart.

“It’s really to bring people together," Mr. Ricky said.

Mr. Ricky's grandson, Donte Davis, started Grizz Hearts in 2012. It soon became a hit for Grizz fans.

Author: Jalyn Souchek May 26, 2021

First Horizon Foundation Grants $450,000 to 18 Local Arts Organizations

The local arts are getting another boost, this time to the tune of a cool $450,000.

Eighteen local organizations are set to benefit from the investment thanks to a partnership between ArtsMemphis — the primary arts funder for Memphis and Shelby County — and First Horizon Foundation.

By Samuel X. Cicci, Memphis Flyer April 22, 2021

Eat local: Here's our guide to Memphis-area farmers markets

The Carpenter Art Garden hosts a small farmers market every Monday and Thursday year-round.

Their community gardens provide skills training, community building and a place for families to grow healthy eating options. Carpenter Art Garden sells its vegetables throughout the neighborhood, as well as to the general public.

By Jennifer Chandler Memphis Commercial Appeal April 8, 2021

ArtsMemphis Gives Another Round of Operating Support

ArtsMemphis has announced its second round of fiscal year 2021 operating support grants – for a total of $850,000 – benefitting 48 local arts organizations.

By Jon W. Sparks, Memphis Flyer March 11, 2021

Binghampton organizations request neighborhood welcome sign

Neighborhood-based nonprofit Carpenter Art Garden is proposing a 4.33-by-6.25-foot “Welcome to Binghampton” sign located at the Binghampton Gateway Center, on the corner of Sam Cooper Boulevard and Tillman Street.

By Omer Yusuf September 30, 2020

Thread of love runs through each mask sewn for Binghampton neighbors

Over the past four months, the Carpenter Art Garden, located on Carpenter Street, has distributed over 1,000 masks in Binghampton – free of charge – for both adults and children.

By Omer Yusuf August 24, 2020

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