Each year on April 15, people around the world celebrate World Art Day — a moment to recognize how creativity inspires, restores, and connects us. At Bakelite, we see that impact firsthand through associates who bring passion and imagination into their everyday roles.
One of them is Daniela Manfredi, Senior Customer Account Specialist at our Solbiate site. Daniela has spent more than four decades painting, and today she’s using her love of art to support associate wellbeing and create meaningful moments of connection across the site.
The Beginning of Something Colorful
Last year, the Solbiate team invited associates to share new ideas for strengthening wellbeing at work. Daniela immediately raised her hand — and suggested something close to her heart: an art‑focused initiative.
To introduce the idea, she organized an event at the site. As this was a kickoff to the new initiative, she expected only a handful of colleagues to attend, but more than 60 associates showed up. The interest was immediate, genuine, and energizing.
Soon after, 15-25 associates began participating in twice‑monthly Art Wellness Sessions, turning the program into a creative community that quickly became part of the site’s culture. Many began referring to the sessions as their “relaxing moment,” a dedicated pause in the workweek to disconnect, reset, and create.
One of the program’s early milestones was a collaborative art panel featuring bees, flowers, and the Bakelite logo — a nod to Solbiate’s beekeeping activities<link to previous article>. Supported by the site, the finished piece now hangs proudly in a meeting room for all to see.
These early moments shaped a program rooted in creativity, connection, and community — and it continues to grow.
Brushstrokes of Insight
We asked Daniela to share more about her journey, her love of art, and what inspires her to continue building this space for others.
When did art first become an important part of your life?
“When I was seven, my mother would leave me with my grandmother while she went to work. My grandmother was an artist, and I think that’s where it all began. I never stopped painting and drawing after that.”
One word that describes how you feel when you’re making art?
“Meditation and inspiration — I know it’s not just one word, but that’s truly how I feel.”
Do you prefer music, silence, or background noise when you’re creating?
“I like relaxing music with forest sounds and birds in the background.”
What tells you that the sessions are meaningful for participants?
“People switch off from their daily routine and relax while doing something pleasant together. They share skills and thoughts — and most importantly, have fun and bring color to life.”
How do you encourage someone who’s new to painting?
“Let your creativity flow. It doesn’t matter what you draw or paint; what matters is expressing yourself and creating something beautiful.”
What do you hope associates take with them after a session?
“The joy of creating beauty in a world that isn’t always beautiful. Art teaches us to notice the details we miss. A grey world needs color.”
Why is creativity important alongside traditional work?
“It activates our senses, stimulates imagination, and frees emotions. Enjoying beautiful art fills us intellectually and emotionally, promoting a positive state of mind.”
How does creativity influence your role at Bakelite?
“For me, it’s a release valve. When I paint, I clear my mind from negative thoughts. It helps me breathe, relax, and approach daily work with less stress. I’m thankful Bakelite embraced this project and allowed me to share my art and meditation skills with colleagues.”
Carrying Creativity Forward
Daniela’s reflections — and the enthusiasm shared across the Solbiate site — show that creativity is more than an artistic skill. It’s a way to find calm, clarity, and connection in the middle of a busy day. Through collaborative projects and shared moments of expression, she’s built a space that helps participants feel supported, inspired, and welcomed.
And her work continues to grow. Daniela is now exploring ways to integrate guided meditation into the sessions — creating an even deeper moment for participants to breathe, imagine, and create. It’s another step in her ongoing effort to use creativity as a tool for wellbeing and connection.
As we celebrate World Art Day, her work reminds us that creativity grows strongest in community — flourishing when someone makes space for it to thrive.
