Daily Inspiration: Meet Cynthia Hagedorn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Hagedorn

Cynthia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Creativity, connection, and community have always been at the core of my journey.
As the CEO and Founder of Square Peg Events, LLC for 15 years, my focus was on producing
unique, immersive experiences that brought people together through art. Large-scale public
events (Live Mannequins, Downtown LIVE!, Kids’ ArtFest, ArtBeat!, public sculptures) and
intimate community activations (Farmers Market programming, Progressive Tastings, Paint-ins)
became platforms for storytelling, creativity, and shared experiences.

With a background that includes museum work (Independent Docent at the Art Institute of
Chicago) and extensive collaboration with artists, leaders, and communities, my work evolved
beyond events into something more personal—using art as a tool for expression, healing, and connection.

In fall 2023, I sunset Square Peg Events to launch Community on Canvas, a nonprofit dedicated
to bringing art into people’s lives in more meaningful and inclusive ways. Through three key
initiatives—pARTies, Leadership on Canvas, and Care on Canvas—my work now bridges
creativity with purpose. Whether through public art gatherings, leadership-driven projects, or
one-on-one painting experiences for individuals facing life and health challenges, my mission
remains the same: to make art accessible, transformative, and deeply personal.

Today, Community on Canvas continues to grow, fostering spaces where creativity brings
people together, builds connections, and inspires new ways of seeing the world.

Looking back, this path was never just about making art—it was about creating opportunities for
people to express themselves, to feel seen, and to find community through creativity.
This is what drives me every day, and I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, and the pandemic was especially challenging. Within 15 days, every
large-scale contract I had was canceled—suddenly, nobody wanted to populate their cities.
The world had shut down, and so had the events I had spent years building.

But I believe everything is figureoutable, and I found a way forward. I started hosting events on my studio
property, calling them pARTies, creating safe, outdoor creative experiences during the warmer months.
By fall 2020, I made the difficult decision to close my studio to the outside world and shift my focus to families
with immunocompromised health, offering them a protected space to create. From Thanksgiving to Valentine’s
Day, I didn’t live in the outside world, choosing instead to create a bubble where families could safely connect through art.

It was a challenge, but seeing faces light up as they found joy and connection through creativity made it deeply
meaningful. Those experiences became the catalyst for a major shift in my work—leading me to sunset
Square Peg Events and take the steps to build my nonprofit, Community on Canvas.
What began as a pivot in uncertain times became a defining moment, shaping the work I do today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is primarily about holding space for people in challenging life and health situations—creating a place where they can express themselves through art, even in the midst of uncertainty.
Whether it’s during Patient pARTies at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, where I serve as the
Artist in Residence, working with patients of all ages in hospitals, or welcoming individuals into my cozy cottage
studio, the goal is always the same: to provide a space where creativity becomes a form of healing, connection,
and self-expression.

Painting and creating with people is deeply meaningful to me. I am humbly told that when someone steps into
my peaceful studio, they quickly feel comfortable, empowered, and relaxed, allowing them to release their
message onto the canvas. I call this experience a conversation in color on a canvas—a way for people to
process, express, and communicate beyond words.

What sets my work apart is the intention behind it. It’s not just about making art; it’s about meeting people where
they are, honoring their journey, and giving them a space to be seen and heard. The moments I am most proud
of are the ones where someone, who may have never considered themselves an artist, finds joy, release, or
even peace through the creative process.

Every session, every painting, and every shared moment reinforces why I do what I do—to bring art into
people’s lives in a way that is accessible, personal, and transformative.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking and mentorship aren’t just about finding people in your field—they’re about broadening your
perspective and engaging with a diverse range of voices.

Talk to people across all industries. Don’t limit yourself to connecting only with those in your immediate
field. While peers can be supportive and valuable, some of the most insightful, balanced conversations
come from engaging with people across different professions, experiences, and backgrounds.
Innovation often happens at the intersection of ideas, so be open to learning from unexpected sources.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to those who seem unattainable. A good leader wants to help—they want to
embrace and support growth, not just for themselves but for others and their community. Many of the
most accomplished individuals welcome genuine connections and appreciate when someone reaches
out with curiosity, purpose, and respect.

Building relationships isn’t about asking for something—it’s about creating meaningful connections, sharing
ideas, and being open to both learning and contributing. The best mentorships often happen naturally through
authentic conversations and mutual respect.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571425363138