The organization offers a holistic approach to mental health by focusing on stress reduction and mind-body-community connection, engaging generative practices that sustain health and wellbeing, support emotional healing, and strengthen our community and resilience.

Expressive arts playshops, mindful movement Qigong classes, happy hour walks, creative retreats and one-on-one healing arts experiences are offered regularly at the Healing Arts Hive at Folkmoot. The organization also hosts facilitated creative experiences and retreats for individuals, families, organizations and people in caring professions.

In a time when across our country, 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year, 1 in 6 youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder, and suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-14, we must compassionately respond to help each other connect, heal and thrive again.

Decades of scientific studies in the Arts and Health research field show that all art modalities and mind-body practices can improve our physical, emotional and mental health. They help us prevent, manage, or recover from illnesses. They cultivate joy and positive emotions and build more equitable, connected and diverse communities.

The foundation’s vision is to be a pollinator of social good. By strengthening our community through compassionate social connection and creativity, we reduce the epidemic of loneliness, humanize the mental health conversation, and empower people to restore their own dignity, self-worth and purpose. 

Below is a listing of our current community programs. We are committed to making all our offerings accessible to all. Participants offer a contribution on a sliding scale fee, or register at no charge if unable to pay. To learn more, check out www.thepollinatorsfoundation.org or contact Marga Fripp, co-founder & CEO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 828-424-1398.

Creative and Healing Arts Experiences of the Pollinators Foundation’s Healing Arts Hive @ Folkmoot:

Immerse yourself into the wonder of arts, movement and body’s wisdom to cultivate more joy, inner peace and gratefulness. All our services work at reducing stress, strengthening health and wellbeing, and cultivating compassionate community connection.

Expressive Arts Playshops for Self-Care, Healing and Renewal at Folkmoot:

Sliding Scale Fee: $15-$30/participant

• Oct. 18, 5 - 7 p.m. – Mandala Making I Everything I am is welcome
• Oct. 25, 5 - 7 p.m. – Mask Making I Who am I, and who I’m not?
• Nov. 15, 5 - 7 p.m. – Tree of Gratitude I Gratefulness as a Path to Happiness
• Nov. 29, 5 - 7 p.m. – Prayer Flags for the Soul I Nurturing Wisdom, Strength and Compassion

All art materials for the expressive arts playshops are provided, along with compassionate facilitation, soothing music, aromatherapy and hot herbal tea for soul, mind and body.

Qigong Classes for Mental & Emotional Wellness, Health and Healing at Folkmoot:

Sliding Scale Fee: $12-$20/participant

• weekly, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Happy Hour Walk: Health, Happiness & Social Connection at Lake Junaluska

• Weekly on Tuesdays, 5 - 6:15 p.m.; Meeting @ The Labyrinth, weather permitting. If 51% chance of rain, the event is canceled.

Organized weekly in collaboration with The Share Project and Marga Fripp Studio. Come walk with us, enjoy nature's medicine and boost your health and happiness!

Special Events at Folkmoot ;

• Friday, Nov 17 @ 3 p.m. – Holiday Bazaar at Folkmoot: Art & Holiday gifts by Marga Fripp

The Pollinators Foundation’s Healing Arts Hive is located at Folkmoot at 112 Virginia Ave, Waynesville, NC 28786, Room A-2., www.thepollinatorsfoundation.org