Cameron Correll, the project coordinator for the Winchester Design Studio, was first approached by the Clark County 4-H Arts and Culture Club in March of 2020 to host a youth workshop that would expose them to community design principles. A single-day workshop was developed using concepts related to placemaking, idea development, and collage methods. The workshop was held in April 2021 and was attended by three youth from the club and one adult leader. The youth learned about the history of collage and how designers used it in the planning process and participated in a downtown walking tour. The youth had the chance to apply what they learned by creating their collage of a location downtown. When asked about their knowledge of design after the program, students indicated that they were “more confident” in the use of photo collages in design and the impact of community design. One student suggested that after the class, they were more interested in community design careers. 

After the success of the youth program, the activity was expanded to work for a large group. For the large group activity, images of downtown were printed out on large posters and placed in glass storefront windows. Placemaking elements like benches, public art, and activities were printed and laminated. During a downtown concert, community members were encouraged to arrange pieces they would like to see in the different downtown spaces. Common themes included the installation of street murals, places to sit, and shade elements. Over twenty participants of all ages eagerly participated and shared their ideas with the design staff. By curating the options, we were able to identify preferred styles or designs while also creating an approachable activity for people who may have had a limited understanding of community design or placemaking. 

Since these two programs, the Community Collage activity has been released to agents across the state, and several organizations have approached us to lead their groups in the exercise.