Go beyond the canvas. Meet artists who have volunteered with Athentikos as they share how creativity inspires the way they serve, create, and live.
Each story is an opportunity to get to know the artists, educators, and volunteers who make up our community while finding inspiration to embrace creativity in your own life. We can’t wait to share these stories with you!
Meet our friend Lindsey Bailey! Lindsey served as a volunteer on the I AM ART Opal House team in 2025 as a core Workshop Leader leading a huge mural project. Lindsey is bold, colorful and inspiring! While Lindsey claims her home is in Texas and Nashville, TN she lived over 15 years overseas teaching art internationally in Singapore, Qatar, China, US, and now Ethiopia.
A Life Shaped by Creativity
Lindsey is both a professional artist and an art educator, and believes those two callings naturally belong together as she teaches and she also learns from her students. She teaches K–12 art at an international school where her students come from around the world, including Japan, Mexico, Europe, and the United States. Surrounded by young artists every day, Lindsey finds constant inspiration in their curiosity, imagination, and unique perspectives. Lindsey is also passionate about equipping and inspiring teachers around the world as an international educator and presenter. For her, teaching isn’t separate from creating—it’s one of the most meaningful expressions of creativity itself.
Finding Joy in Simple Materials
When asked about her favorite creative material, Lindsey’s answer is simple: “ I LOVE CARDBOARD!!” She loves its durability, accessibility, and endless possibilities, believing almost anything can begin with an ordinary piece of cardboard. Her advice is to sketch ideas first with a Sharpie, not worry about finding the “perfect” piece, and simply start creating. Lindsey reminds us that creativity doesn’t require expensive supplies—it begins with imagination and the willingness to make something new.
Creativity Woven into Everyday Life
Although Lindsey says she doesn’t always feel personally creative because she’s immersed in art every day through teaching, she recognizes that creativity is woven throughout her life in countless ways. She writes regularly, loves to dance, and enjoys listening to music. Her home is filled with colorful books, student artwork, gifts from friends, and pieces waiting to be displayed. Even the way she dresses reflects her creative spirit, choosing clothes that are both comfortable and full of color. For Lindsey, creativity isn’t limited to making art—it’s a way of living.
Where Faith and Creativity Meet
Lindsey describes herself as naturally curious and believes faith invites us to hold both questions and trust at the same time. Creating reminds her that we participate in something much bigger than ourselves. For Lindsey, creativity becomes a meaningful expression of that journey. She is drawn to art and religious symbolism because it creates a powerful visual language for exploring faith, meaning, and the deeper stories that connect people across cultures and generations.
Memories That Continue to Inspire
Looking back on her time serving with Athentikos, Lindsey says it’s difficult to choose just one favorite memory of serving with Athentikos on the Opal House I AM ART team. Two experiences stand out most. One was an evening during Team Time in which the team was asked to journal. She remembers journaling about her questions about faith. This was a powerful experience as it gave her an opportunity to respond honestly instead of putting up a wall. The other powerful moment was at the end of the community art show, where the entire group and guests walked together in celebration toward the completed mural. Watching people respond with joy, excitement, and gratitude as they photographed the artwork was a powerful reminder that creativity has the ability to bring people together and create lasting moments of hope.
What exciting projects do you have coming up?
One of the most exciting projects on the horizon is her work in Portugal, where Lindsey is launching an artist residency designed specifically for art educators. The residency will create a space for artists to collaborate, learn from one another, and experience the local culture. She is especially excited about the possibilities this residency will create—bringing people together, encouraging creative exchange, and building meaningful connections through art.
Lindsey’s first Portugal event is planned for July 2027 and will feature an interactive art show and a series of workshops hosted in a gallery space in the Bonfim neighborhood over three weeks. Keep up with the progress here: @mimieileenspopup
Where to find and follow Lindsey!
Follow Lindsey at Instagram @cakecrushonthetown, @boloartartsresidency, @mimieileenspopup
Check our her work at www.cakecrush.com
Read all about her adventure and project ideas at Stubstack – https://hellocakecrush.substack.com/
