Report #: 4
Name of Topic: The Arts with People at Risk
Name of Leader: Linda Metzner
Names of Participants: Lynn, Linda, Amy, Cheryl
Previous story regarding this topic if there is one: “The Well” Arts for Empowerment is a new nonprofit being started by Linda to bring performing artists to give hands-on workshops based on life stories to clients and staff of social service organizations. Awaiting fiscal sponsorship by WCCSC (Western Carolina Coalition for Social Concerns) and producing a concert, “The Abundance of Mary” as a benefit for “The Well” in August.
Highlights of Discussion (present story unfolding): In Wilmington Delaware, they used theatre led by teens with disabilities to diffuse bullying. Used technique of freezing to stop the action, offer new outcomes, change direction away from violence, hold discussions, etc. Teens make and take home books to record experiences.
Want to learn to incorporate varying points of view using the arts in meetings among people.
Public graffiti contests in Portland, Maine to allow the muted voice to be heard.
Helpmate Art show in Asheville using dance, theatre, poetry and song to reflect experiences of those who have been victims of domestic violence.
Brain patterns create new pathways through the arts- a way out of the cycle in which one can be stuck. New brain theory information supports this. Repatterning.
Movement especially helps to open new brain paths.
Always remember to include free and low-cost public art to give access to all.
Fees can be sliding-scale, donations, suggested amount.
Future Action/Next Steps:
For “The Well”, fundraising, publicity, concert on August 27th, sending out contacts to Linda at annelinde@hotmail.com. Hoping to begin program September 2006.
Economy news and blog said,
January 11, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Very amazing site! I wish I could do something as nice as you did…mary
Roberta Shoemaker-Beal said,
June 27, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Congratulations, Linda,
This is VERY exciting work. I have been an art therapist for 30 years. I am so excited to see this community based work being offered. Love Asheville. Spent a short period of time there one summer.
Since the Republicans have been in office, the monies for disabilities and the mental afflicted has dimished a great deal……. Money now goes to war…….
In regards to your good works, you may want to read Art as a Way of Knowing……. by Pat Allen, in Chicago…..
If I can help you in any way let me know. I give workshops on creativity as the highest form of functioning………. Recently given an honorary PhD for my 35 years of work…….. Have lots to share……..
I am from the East coast and drive to Mayland, my home state every summer…… Perhaps I could drive home to Texas through western North Carolina……. a beautiful state…….
Do you have a website, I can check out…..
Thanks for all the good work you are doing…….. It is inspriring to read about your work…….
Namaste,
Roberta Shoemaker-Beal,
at the CREATAS Center in central Texas.
CREATAS@aol.com