About This Activity
Join us every Wednesday evening for Imagination Nation, a creative community for artists, makers, writers, and dreamers ages 11–15. Each semester, students choose a personal project to pursue—whether it's writing a novel, illustrating a comic, painting a series, designing a game, composing music, creating digital art, or something entirely their own. Students learn how to turn big ideas into achievable goals, develop a project plan, and stay motivated with the support of their peers. Instead of following a set curriculum, each artist works at their own pace while receiving guidance and encouragement from instructors and fellow creators. Students sharing their progress, discuss challenges and successes, and receive thoughtful, constructive feedback. Along the way, they'll build confidence, presentation skills, creative discipline, meaningful friendships, and the courage to bring their ideas to life. MEET THE INSTRUCTOR: Shari Wilson (she/her) is a storyteller rooted in the piney woods of Florien, Louisiana. She graduated from Northwestern State University, studying English with a concentration in Filmmaking and Musical Theatre. She earned the Excellence in Creative Writing Award in 2021, and her work was featured in Argus, the university's literary journal. Since moving to New Orleans in 2021, Shari has built a career in filmmaking, working as a producer, director, writer, stylist, & production designer. In 2025, she was selected for the NOVAC Filmmaker Cohort, where she produced the short documentary Orí, an exploration of Black maternal health in the South. The film premiered in the Louisiana Features & Shorts section at the New Orleans Film Festival. Coming from a long line of educators, Shari is passionate about helping young people discover their creativity and confidence, and has taught in Jefferson Parish schools. Shari enjoys baking, playing bass guitar, logging movies on Letterboxd, and teaching swing dance.
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