Whitney’s Story The butterfly effect, an alternative scientific theory, challenges us to consider that every tiny action could have a large effect. The smallest deed or word–positive or negative–has the potential to change the course of an individual’s life. Whitney’s story demonstrates how to turn heartache into an opportunity for hope: Whitney, a bullied Michigan…
A Daughter’s Story More than one hundred participants submitted “Let Go” sentences to be collaged onto my ArtPrize Nine painting. But one woman caught my attention when she wrote this statement: “Mom, I’m letting go of my expectations of what our relationship should look like. I forgive you for the pain you caused, and I…
Nathan’s Story Color Me Orange—Color Me Kind shines a spotlight on bullying. The installation is specifically tailored toward middle school students—often the most vulnerable. Sadly, some of these students suffer so intensely from bullying that they believe suicide is the only way to end it all. Our intentional kindness has the potential to brighten someone’s…
Excerpts from Walker’s Story Participatory art has a subtle power to serve as a healing catalyst. Visitors often experience new insight through connecting with the work. As the artwork begins to unlock the soul, it becomes a place of hope and healing. Walker’s autism story inspired an avalanche of hope, with more than twenty thousand…
Wow! It’s been an exciting year! Following ArtPrize, I had the privilege to work with incarcerated teens and their probation officers with the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County, Michigan. Throughout December, I guided this special group through a hands-on project where the girls created a 3×3 foot Broken Wings butterfly made of almost 600…
Photo: Starbuck’s sandwich board art Time for a rhythm reset as we move into summer! I can’t wait to reveal some exciting interactive and collaborative art opportunities next September. Meanwhile, it’s time to enjoy family, summer campfires, and a few amazing creative adventures. Until then… A recent interactive healing art project with school children
Celebrate with us! We reached our first goal of 1000 handprints! Art is one way, or solution, to work through some of my own dilemmas or emotional scars. My art supports the tension of being in process and moving forward. Over the years, this work has evolved from static art hanging on a wall to…