We offer the original Statement of Purpose of The Art of Healing exhibit to honor the passion, compassion, and vision of the original creators:
“The purpose of our Art of Healing project is to demonstrate the value of art in healing from childhood abuse, to empower survivors of abuse through participation in planning the exhibit and showing their work, to illuminate the effects of abuse, and to awaken community response to the long-term impact of sexual, physical and emotional abuse of children and to the process of recovery itself, and that the experience of coming together and pooling our resources and abilities on a project close to our hearts is healing and empowering in itself. In planning the exhibit we are readdressing the issue of abuse. As children we had no control, the abuse was imposed on us. As adults we can take control –control over how our art is displayed and how the goals for this project are achieved. As survivors, much of our time and money and mental energy is spent on therapy, reading and thinking about recovery. This project turns some of our inward-directed energies into action aimed toward the larger community and towards supporting each other in healing and creating.
OUR GOALS ARE:
to restore the voices of those forced to be silenced as children by providing an audience for art created in the process of recovery from childhood abuse;
to ensure that the experience of displaying the art is healing for participating artists – a breaking of the silence and public affirmation of their pain and courage;
to awaken empathy and deeper understanding in the exhibit viewers so they can better support the survivors in their lives, and perhaps acknowledge their own abuse or abusive behavior.”
The Art of Healing project is a living entity that continues to have relevance, honoring the original artists in their healing process, and inviting new artists and survivors to contribute their energy, vision, and emotional expression. This healing expression is unifying, across generations and in community with other survivors, breaking down the sense of isolation. We believe the human spirit can not be extinguished. The Art of Healing exhibit is a testimony to the strength, resiliency, beauty and courage of the artists. It is humanity in its finest form – the courage to express the pain that has been suffered…. reaching others who are in isolation with their pain, bringing them into a place of community, understanding and healing.
The exhibit has been “in storage” for a number of years. We offer The Art of Healing once again as an uncompromisingly honest yet poignant gift from voices that still need to be heard. As our movement continues to evolve, we strive to include the wisdom and experiences of BIPOC, queer, and trans leaders and communities. It is our fervent hope that the voices of an earlier time can join with those in the present to bring us closer to collective liberation.
The images portray worlds of resilience, hope, grief, pain, and comfort. While viewing the project, take time to protect yourself, your emotions, and your energy in whatever ways feel best to you.