Gary Hirsch

Gary Hirsch is an accomplished artist, speaker, and the founder of Botjoy, a global art movement aimed at spreading joy, courage, love, and gratitude through hand-painted robots. Based in Portland, Oregon, Hirsch has over 25 years of experience in improvisation and interactive learning, co-founding On Your Feet, where he helps organizations enhance communication and creativity through improv techniques.

Background and Botjoy

• Artistic Journey: Gary's artistic journey began in childhood when he used drawing as a way to cope with fears. He created the first Botjoy robot in 2010 by painting on dominoes, which quickly gained popularity as gifts that spread positivity. The initiative has since evolved into a larger movement encouraging others to create their own bots and share them with their communities.123

• Impact: The Bots serve as tools for empowerment and connection, often used in therapeutic settings, such as children's hospitals, where they help comfort young patients during medical procedures. Hirsch actively promotes the idea of sharing this art form, inviting others to "steal" the concept and create their own Bots.24

Professional Experience

• Co-Founder of On Your Feet: Since 1997, Hirsch has been involved in facilitating workshops that blend business with the arts to foster a more joyful workplace environment.1

• Public Speaking: He frequently speaks at various conferences and events about creativity and co-creation, sharing insights from his unique approach to art and business.3

Education

Hirsch holds a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Earlham College and a Master's degree in Arts Education from Case Western Reserve University.1

Personal Philosophy

Gary Hirsch's mission is to use art as a means of transformation and connection, believing that creativity can help individuals express their values and foster meaningful interactions in both personal and professional contexts.13