As an artist, I embrace my skills as the best tool I can utilize to build a passion for the education, interaction and evolvement of the arts surrounding me. Utilizing art is a magnificent way I can communicate a message, connect with the viewer and heal through the art making process.
I have been bridging my passion for art with the educational pathways of utilizing art as a tool for healing, storytelling, building relationships, empowering communities and connecting unheard voices. My path has currently brought me to the Journey of Healing project in collaboration with Levindale Geriatric Hebrew Center and Hospital in Baltimore. In the Journey of Healing Project, the voices of patients are being expressed through creative art classes, where together, in group and individualized settings, patients have the ability to create new avenues of displaying, sharing and connecting their art work with their hospital community. Participants consist of Behavioral Health Unit Patients and Long-term Residents; each of which are at various points of their journey to regaining their health. I believe that programming should be made to fit the participant, not the participant to fit the programming.
Initially, painting was my main medium and lead me into combining my interest with various outlets to continue creative art making. My community practice is more process oriented, as my personal practice is a reflection of those experiences. The process of art making, relationship building, problem-solving, overcoming institutional systems, making art accessible and readily available to every person plays an important role in my community art practice.
It is my hope that through the exploration of the Journey of Healing project, light will be shed on the importance of the therapeutic abilities art has as part of the healing process endured within a hospital setting. Also, to further focus our attention on the abilities we hold as human beings, rather than distinguish lines drawn between abled bodies and disabled bodies. During the process of art making, connections are created, ideas fostered and stories shared. Thus, the healing process in a community-oriented environment will uplift participants during their stay whether it is temporary or permanent.
Art has aided myself in expressing life’s journey and I enjoy sharing that experience and process with whomever is willing.
A special thank you to all persons involved with the Journey of Healing Project. My warmest regards to Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital. The Levindale staff, residents, patients, volunteers, and family members; thank you for welcoming me into your community! Including, another thanks to the therapeutic Recreation Department! Thank you to all who helped push this project to its entirety.
In dedication to the bright memory of Lucille Walsh
