I am deep in the process of a very personal art project– the 100 Herons Art Project– to answer the call to create art born out of my deep desire to capture the magic of the herons in my neighborhood…
“The answer must be, I think, that beauty and grace are performed whether or not we will or sense them. The least we can do is try to be there.” ― Annie Dillard
… and to help support my ability to provide free arts programming for a local program that supports refugee youth ages 16-24.
Session 1 was yesterday!
I hopped on transit yesterday afternoon and spent a couple hours on the Skytrain and the bus headed to a Lower Mainland youth program that supports refugee youth.
This program is extraordinary- “a collaborative, case-managed service model for the delivery of comprehensive, holistic and client-centred programming.” It provides youth with support services across the board, helping them navigate their new environment, learn life skills, build community and connection.
Today was Session 1 of the initial intro to the free arts programming that I will be providing this for the group this summer. We spent an hour and a half together in a cramped room that filled with lots of laughter and smiles as I instructed in English (and Swedish as one young woman who is multi-fluent exclaimed that she knows Swedish) while the program coordinators translated. It was quite wonderful hearing art instruction in multiple languages all at the same time! I did my usual intro lesson using newsprint and china markers drawing OWLS and 3-D eyes to build trust, introduce my style and to create safe space.
Many of the participants grabbed a china marker on their way out at the end of the session. YES! That is what it’s all about!
Sitting on the two hour ride home, my mind wanted to go to: What are you doing? How can you sustain this? But my heart was full. I feel so honored to spend time with this wonderful group.
Art creates joy. If only in the moment. And that is all we have.
Check the panels at:
I currently have several 20″ x 30″ panels in progress. They are being embroidered and embellished. They will be exhibited at various community events in August!
INTERESTED IN PRE-PURCHASING PANELS?
The panels are being made available for pre-purchase on my ETSY site:
