Planting seeds of joy.

The Bloom Project is a 501(c)(3) social impact creative studio. We show up with warmth, a touch of whimsy, and a genuine love for planting seeds of joy — because a happier community starts with someone willing to go first, stepping out with the courage to bridge the distance and invite others to belong.

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Mission

Cultivating joy, one moment at a time

We believe joy is a catalyst, so we create it on purpose — through a smile to a stranger, a warm coffee with a friend, a vibrant mural by local artists, or a shirt that sparks a new conversation. We are doing this work because when we needed it, our communities wrapped their arms around us. And the most beautiful way we know how to say thank you is to pass that grace forward.

The Bloom Project took root in Monona, WI, on MLK Day in 2026, brought to life by a small circle of first-generation immigrant women, mothers, and friends. It started simply, with just three of us — Luiza Paster, Jocelyn Tian, and me — and the life-changing power of two phrases: "já deu certo" and "whatever you need."

We didn't wait for the perfect time; we just decided to leave our corners of the world a little better than we found them, starting exactly where we were, with exactly what we had, together. And now, we invite everyone to join us in planting seeds of joy — welcome to The Bloom Project.

Our First Bloom: The DAMA Summer Mural Project

We are thrilled that our very first collaboration is with the Dane Arts Mural Arts (DAMA) Youth Apprenticeship Summer Program! Under the guidance of local artist Emily Rodriguez at DAMA headquarters, local youth ages 14–17 are earning a paid wage ($15/hr) to learn, design, and paint alongside the pros. Together, they are creating a public mural that blossoms, panel by panel, from seed to bloom. It is about so much more than paint — it is about equipping kids with real-world skills, teamwork, and the confidence to make their own corners of the world a little sweeter.

Support the Mural

Help this mural bloom, panel by panel

The mural is underway, and every dollar raised goes straight to paint, supplies, and wages for the young artists bringing it to life. Here's where we stand — and how you can help us close the gap before summer's end.

$450 raised $750 still needed

$1,200 goal · needed by end of summer

Give to the mural

Marina with lead artist Emily and the DAMA mural interns outside the DAMA studio; interns and Emily blurred for privacy
Marina with lead artist Emily and our 13 paid mural interns, July 2026.
Concept rendering of the DAMA times Bloom mural panels on the building at 825 East Johnson Street
The mural design for 825 E Johnson St — seed to bloom, panel by panel. This is a virtual rendition only; the mural is still being painted.

Come say hi — Parks Alive at Warner Park

Aug 12, 2026, 5–7pm. We'll be there inviting the community to get involved with the mural — no RSVP needed, just come find us. There'll be a food truck giving out free food.

Stay Up To Date

Welcome to the Garden

A commitment to living by the golden rule is all it takes — it gets you into our members database and our eventual WhatsApp group. A donation of any kind sends you a welcome pack.

Enter the Garden

Get Involved

Let's create something together

A community partner curious about collaborating? A neighbor with an idea? We'd love to hear from you and see what we can do together.

info@inthegarden.org