Trust and abundance are what keep this space alive. I trust the kids to follow the non-negotiable rules while exploring, testing boundaries, and choosing what to work on. I trust them to feel their feelings fully and make their own creative choices, knowing that sometimes they’ll push edges—and they trust me to hold the line with care and consistency. And I trust in abundance: that there will always be enough—glue, paint, shaving cream, boxes, tape- and even when there isn’t -that the community will come forward. That we will all take care of each other in this way.

Over time, I’ve realized that these dark themes are not cause for alarm. Creating dark situations in art and play are most often expressions of curiosity, empathy, and exploring power.