“When Ella dips her finger into the swirl of whipped cream, I lick my lips. When Ella looks at the whipped cream, she licks her lips. Then Ella leans down and gives ME the big swirl of whipped cream. On HER birthday.” Sushi the Cat was inspired while I worked for my church as a…
“Sushi, it’s my birthday! I’m so excited. Mama is taking me to Mrs. Takahara’s Bakery this afternoon to buy my birthday treat. A big, chocolate cupcake. With a huge swirl of whipped cream. And then a strawberry on top. But you can’t come, Sushi. Cats aren’t allowed.” All day, Ella talks about the cupcake. The…
The Mosaic Within project, a community-based work, brought together people from all walks of life to form a display of colorful patterns, unity, and hope. Throughout the summer, we hosted art workshops at multiple locations with local community members and the individuals served by Mel Trotter Ministries. Participants hand-painted small Plexiglas tiles to be added…
“Ella kisses me. She hugs me. She pats me from head to tail. But I don’t like to be kissed. I don’t like to be hugged. No one ever patted me from head to tail at the Tokyo Rescue-Me-Center.” Sushi the Cat, by author and artist Pamela Alderman, addresses respect and friendship. In the book,…
As the Voices project took shape last year, many of the participants found a space to express their unspoken history of struggle, pain, and loss. These veterans have found it difficult to return to civilian life after risking their lives to serve our country, and some battle with alcohol or prescription drugs. But the Voices…
A decade ago, a group of beautiful women from Congo caught my attention with their brightly colored dresses. When I went over to meet them. I introduced myself as an artist. Immediately, their American sponsor asked if I would be willing to paint their portraits and tell their stories for ArtPrize. This yearly art event…
