Camden Arts project

VinE is thrilled to introduce Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck, a vegan international artist, veganic grower, and writer whose creative vision and compassion are reshaping the relationship between art, education, and the natural world.

Johanna is the founder of two inspiring initiatives—The Gardening Drawing Club, which employs and promotes veganic methods, and The Ordinary Society for Kindness to All Animals in the Art World (TOSKAAAW). Both initiatives are free for all and operate independently, reflecting her commitment to accessibility and ethical practices.

Johanna often collaborates with primary and secondary schools as an invited lead artist. Through these projects, she fosters compassion and mindfulness, introducing vegan organic food and growing and other thoughtful practices to young learners.

A standout example of her impactful work is a year-long programme developed in collaboration with Camden Art Centre and a local primary school. Centred on the themes of Joy and Togetherness, Johanna designed and led a curriculum that engaged every pupil from Year 1 to Year 6. The project emphasized interaction with and understanding of the natural world, seamlessly integrating art, gardening, and meaningful conversations.

Guided by Johanna, the children explored seasonal themes such as community, compassion, cultivating connections, and developing a sense of place. Activities included gardening and drawing, fostering creativity and encouraging knowledge sharing. Group discussions promoted confidence building and self-expression.

“The sessions encouraged sensory development and healthy eating,” Johanna explains. “We began the workshops with a walk in the garden before moving to the indoor studio space, where we touched, smelled, and discussed herbs. The program was designed to incorporate a diversity of fragrances, colours, plant types, shapes, tastes, and textures.”

https://camdenartcentre.org/whats-on/do-not-step-on-the-flwowos-flowers

Johanna’s work exemplifies the transformative power of integrating art, nature, and compassion into education. Her contributions to both the art world and vegan advocacy continue to inspire new generations to connect deeply with the environment and embrace kindness as a core value.  We are excited about collaborating with Johanna on upcoming projects with The Growing Nature Academy.

Enjoy the video featuring Johanna’s Camden Art project, Do not step on the flwowos (flowers), here:

Credit:  Artworks by the children & photographs by Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck, 2022/ 2023.