Creatively Coping: Amanda Willoughby, perfecting her green thumb


One of six artists profiled in Creatively Coping, Kristin Jones’ essay on the therapeutic power of working with one’s hands during uncertain times


The Arts Board, with Amanda Willoughby

There is something very therapeutic about sitting in a calm room full of plush living plants. So I have them in every room in my house.

Caring for several houseplants keeps me grounded. They force me slow down, to watch their growth, and get to know each of their needs.

The plants provide clean air and beautiful home decor. Also, perfecting my green thumb has taught me a new type of patience; and right about now it’s really coming in handy!


Amanda Willoughby is a filmmaker, visual artist and co-creator of Not Your Ordinary Films production company. For ten years, Amanda has worked with Memphis youth in video arts on a mission to raise the next generation of great filmmakers out of Memphis. She is Memphis Public Library’s Lead Video Facilitator at CLOUD901 Teen Learning Lab. Additionally, Amanda is the Mentor Program Coordinator for the Indie Memphis CrewUp Youth Filmmaking Mentorship Program, pairing local professional filmmakers as mentors to youth. For more, visit her Instagram at: amandawilloughby


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