Honey for the Heart, Learning Community Programs celebrate another year of collaboration

OHIO faculty and students help to build puppets at the Honey for the Heart Studio

Kimberly Ephlin, assistant dean of academic affairs and interprofessional education in the College of Health Sciences and Professions, along with Learning Community Leader Maura Murray and their Pre-Nursing Learning Community class, volunteer in the Honey for the Heart Art Studio. During their time at the studio, they helped to create puppets and costumes, build community, and had fun together.

51�� Learning Community Programs and Arts for Ohio are two of many sponsors of the

At 51��, there are 116 Learning Community sections signed up to engage at the Honey for the Heart Art Studio this fall, and more than 2,000 students have signed up to participate

Those engagement events typically take place during the regular class time. Past Learning Community students have identified this as one of their highlights of the year.

Patty Mitchell, executive director of and co-founder of Honey for the Heart shared, “Honey for the Heart is a dream come to life. Thirteen years ago we wanted to love Athens Halloween into a spectacle of delight. We envisioned making giant puppets and costumes with community and OHIO students - creating an event where all are invited to collaborate and build a Halloween experience to be proud of. Today we get to live in this dream with over 1,600 OHIO first year students and over 500 Athens community members making and marching together. We are manifesting and sharing the spirit of Athens.”

Dave Lawrence, the coordinator supporting the art studio this year, meets classes as they come in and provides the framework for their time there. As far as the parade goes, Lawrence relayed that "Honey for the Heart is this colorful, collision of community and kindness, where we all get together to beautify Athens on the Halloween Weekend." Lawrence also teaches several Learning Community classes.

About Honey for the Heart

The Honey for the Heart studio is located at the Central Venue, 29 East Carpenter Street in Athens. This is just on the other side of Passion Works Studio, 20 East State Street.

The Community Studio Hours are: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Oct. 6 - 23

The Honey for the Heart Parade will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, beginning at 5 pm. Everyone is welcome to march in the parade. Arrive at 4 p.m. to go into the art studio and find a costume. Honey for the Heart will be marching onto Court Street, down to Union Street, and returning to Central Venue.