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Allison Havens expresses herself through a wide range of artistic disciplines including drawing, painting, mixed media, collage, dance, photography and music. She has an undergraduate degree in studio art and post graduation has taken coursework in art therapy. Originally from Chicago, she has worked in the city for the past few years as a freelance mural and collage artist. At the same time, Allison managed a nonprofit fair trade store and organized workshops to educate the public about fair trade, environmental sustainability and artisan craft traditions in other countries.

She uses art as a vehicle to tell a story or express political and social commentary. Much like herself, her art straddles the urban and natural worlds−she is inspired by the diversity, vibrancy and humanity found in urban settings but also finds the imagery of the natural world to be a rich source for metaphor and beauty. 

Whether working individually or collaboratively, she approaches her community mural work much like a collage. She enjoys the spontaneity and magic involved in working with imagery and ideas from a variety of sources to create one cohesive art piece that is greater than the sum of its parts.

As an art teacher at an international youth camp, with youth from the US, Iraq and other countries, Allison fostered cultural understanding through art. At CARE, she will continue to use creativity to cultivate youth leadership.

"I believe in the ability of the creative process not only to communicate ideas, but to heal and transform both individuals and groups. For me, ArtCorps is a unique opportunity to use art as a catalyst for social and personal transformation."