A Summer Full of Art, Community & Hidden Gems!
Summer is almost here, and I cannot contain my excitement for all the incredible things happening with Arte e Alegria! If you’ve been following along, you already know that this project is all about art, community, and connection—but this season, we’re taking things to a whole new level.
One of my absolute favorite things about working in São Miguel is how this island constantly surprises me. There are so many hidden gems—stunning little nooks and creative spaces tucked away behind ancient walls that most people just walk by without knowing what’s inside. Lately, I’ve been working on tapping into these spaces, meeting new people, and bringing more life, art, and joy into unexpected places. If you know of a beautiful or fun location that could be perfect for an event or workshop, I’d love to hear about it!
On top of that, I’ve been deep-diving into the world of content creation. Marketing events in a way that truly captures their magic is a whole skill in itself! I’ve been learning how to be more diligent in planning and creating content that makes people feel excited, inspired, and ready to be part of our experiences. It’s a journey, and I’m loving the challenge of figuring out how to tell our story in ways that resonate.
That being said… I could use some help! I’m looking for a graphic designer with at least one year of experience to help build out our website and create engaging content for Instagram and Facebook. If that sounds like you (or someone amazing you know), let’s chat!
As always, thank you for being part of this journey. Arte e Alegria is not just about creating art—it’s about creating moments, memories, and a sense of belonging. I can’t wait to see what this summer brings, and I hope you’ll be part of it. 💛
Sending love, creativity, and alegría your way!
– Shawnette
Founder, Arte e Alegria
Arte e Alegria: New Chapter, Renewed Mission
First and foremost—thank you.
If you’ve been part of Arte e Alegria’s journey, you’ve seen the beautiful connections we’ve created through art, conversation, and shared experiences. And if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, know that this past year was a time of deep reflection, transformation, and renewal—not just for me, but for the very essence of this community.
I stepped back to recharge, reassess, and truly listen—to you, to myself, and to the needs of our growing creative collective. And now, I’m beyond excited to return with a clearer vision, a stronger purpose, and a deep commitment to making Arte e Alegria a force for creativity, connection, and women’s wellness.
A Shift in Focus:
Wellness, Creativity & Community
Over the past year, through conversations at events, personal experiences, and interactions within our community, one thing became undeniably clear: women need more spaces to nourish themselves creatively and emotionally.
While we’ll continue to host our beloved Pintar e Beber and Coffee Connect, Arte e Alegria is evolving into something even more meaningful—a platform that intertwines creativity with wellness, support, and personal growth.
This means:
✨ Mini-morning retreats designed for reflection, creativity, and self-care
✨ Special celebrations for Women’s Day, Mother’s Day, and more
✨ Workshops that fuse artistic expression with personal wellness
This isn’t just about making art—it’s about using creativity as a tool for empowerment, relaxation, and deeper connection.
Arte e Alegria:
By the Community, For the Community
One of the most beautiful realizations I’ve had is that this community is brimming with talented, creative, and passionate individuals. I want Arte e Alegria to be more than just an organization I lead—I want it to be a space where YOU can share your gifts, ideas, and skills.
So, if you have a passion—whether it’s woodworking, ceramics, sewing, gardening, storytelling, or something else entirely—I’d love to support you in bringing your own creative event or workshop to life. Big or small, let’s make it happen together!
If this speaks to you, let’s chat—I’d love to collaborate and give you a platform to shine.
Join Us for the Relaunch at Vulcana!
To mark this new chapter, I’d love to invite you to our first event of the year—Pintar e Beber at Vulcana on February 9!
This special edition will be a little different from our usual collaborative approach—you’ll be creating your own piece, inspired by the elements of Vulcana, Açorean folklore, and nature. It’s going to be an incredible evening of creativity, connection, and celebration.
🎟 Grab your ticket here → Tickets
This event also marks Arte e Alegria’s first anniversary! Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or are just discovering us, I can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you.
Thank You for Being Here
This community wouldn’t exist without you. Your support, enthusiasm, and creativity inspire me every day. I am beyond grateful for each of you, and I can’t wait to grow, create, and connect with you in new and meaningful ways this year.
See you soon,
Shawnette Jones-Rivera
Founder, Arte e Alegria