Broken Wings: ArtPrize Ten

Me and that first ArtPrize now years ago? Let’s just say that when I began ArtPrize, I traveled a very steep learning curve. I didn’t know how to use a computer. I couldn’t remember ever attending a formal speech class. And I had very little training in writing. And all of these skills are essential to be successful as an artist. And then there was this little problem: I hadn’t painted in almost two decades.

But here are some of the strengths that I did have: Life experience. Perhaps age is a limiting factor with athletes. But for an artist, age deepens creativity and adds a fullness that continues to intensify with age. I also have heart. I’m willing to work hard and learn new things. And I can be persistent, which for artists is a must. So, these qualities combined with unwillingness to quit spells: She’s on the right track.

But even having these strengths don’t guarantee success. So, what is the secret behind the work? Why do thousands of visitors keep coming back, year after year, to experience it? Well, the answer is quite simple.

Each of my art installations have this huge army of friends praying for the work and for the ArtPrize visitors. Simply put, that’s what empowers my healing art. That’s why people connect with it. No other reason. Period.

Broken Wings
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl Street NW (west of the river)
September 19 to October 7, 2018
Vote #66688

In light of the recent tragic school shootings across America, find out how you can create positive change from national bullying specialist Jeff Veley.

Share your story #BrokenWings

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Broken Wings: Collaborating with Marijo

The creative journey brings wonderful surprises as I meet other creative soul mates along the way. When some of these relationships turn into collaborative partnerships, I am especially excited. So, may I introduce my very special friend, Marijo Heemstra?

Marijo has worked behind the scenes on our healing work with Broken Wings, Let Go, Color Me Orange—Color Me Kind, and the recent expansion of The Scarlet Cord. Marijo makes the journey fun plus she’s downright talented! After I once spent 15 minutes trying to create a wave shape for Color Me Orange—Color Me Kind, Marijo just snipped a few cuts and within seconds created the perfect wave shape. I bring the creative concepts to the table, and she often expands the creativity. We make a great creative team.

Moonlight Graphics: Helping Better Our World Through Art

A special thank you to Moonlight Graphics for printing all the promotional materials for Broken Wings. We deeply appreciate the generosity of Paul Block and his team.

Bridge Street Electric: Shining a Light On Hope

A special thank you to Bridge Street Electric for creating custom fixtures and donating a large part of the lighting for Broken Wings. It was a pleasure to work with the owners, Jim and Deb Dagley, and their staff at Bridge Street Electric.

Broken Wings
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl Street NW (west of the river)
September 19 to October 7, 2018
Vote #66688

In light of the recent tragic school shootings across America, find out how you can create positive change from national bullying specialist Jeff Veley.

Share your story #BrokenWings

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Let Go: Forgiveness

Several people have attested to the healing they experienced as they wrote their Let Go statements at ArtPrize. We challenged the audience to write a note and then to release the crumpled paper. As their notes symbolically became one with the painting—mixing with the waves and being carried out to sea, many experienced a new level of peace.

One man shared his experience of personal growth at ArtPrize. The Let Go exercise helped him to realize that he had buried a grudge for decades. But in writing the Let Go note, the tide finally turned, marking a new point for him. As a result, he experienced a tranquil place of soul healing—at an art exhibit.

How has letting go freed you? Share it #LetGo

To learn more, visit watercolorbypamela.com…

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Let Go: Children Respond

Life’s ebb and flow eventually may bring us to a healing place. At times, we may feel like we’re drowning in the sea of despair, defeat, or disappointment. But transformation can occur if we are willing to accept change.

ArtPrize visitors were invited to write a couple of words on the vellum paper to identify their struggle—the thing that was weighing them down—like control, fear, unforgiveness, etc. Many discovered that just writing a few words helped activate the healing process. Even the children got involved. Don’t miss some of the funny, but profound, responses from these kids.

What is one thing that you need to Let Go of? Share your story #LetGo

To learn more, visit watercolorbypamela.com…

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Let Go: Releasing

Many participants wrote Let Go statements about difficult relationships. Interactive healing art invites honest reflection. And as a result, many ArtPrize visitors experienced a new level of freedom as they begin to Let Go of the things that weighed them down or dragged them under.

Here’s a peek into one woman’s story:

“I am letting go of all the hurt my husband has put me through. I know he doesn’t mean it. But it still makes my heart bleed. Signed, your wife”

What is your Let Go story? Share your story #LetGo

To learn more, visit watercolorbypamela.com…

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Ten Years of ArtPrize: Thanks for Being Part of it

After interacting with ten of thousands of visitors, I’ve actually survived ten years as an ArtPrize artist, earned all ten t-shirts, and watched special answers to prayers unfold. But for me, every year prompted the same questions and same learning curve all over again—which required an enormous amount of faith and perseverance.

Interestingly, even after ten years of ArtPrize experience, these questions still haunt me: Will I be able to pay for my big ideas? Will I be able to secure the right venue? Will my work continue to communicate hope and healing?

The artistic struggle is always ongoing, but in the midst of the challenges, I have experienced divine favor every single time! Donors, the perfect venue, friends and volunteers—all arrived as special gifts—year after year! And for EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU, I give thanks!

How have some surprising resources enabled you to accomplish more than you ever thought possible? Share your story #ColorMeKind

To learn more, visit watercolorbypamela.com…

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Color Me Orange: Words Matter

Color Me Orange—Color Me Kind shines a spotlight on bullying. The installation is specifically tailored for middle school students–often the most vulnerable. Sadly, some of these students suffer so intensely from bullying that they believe that suicide is the way to end it all.

By choosing to be deliberately kind, our actions have the potential to brighten someone’s world. Maybe kindness, love, and understanding could have helped those who had struggled with bullying and then committed suicide. Life-affirming creativity that invites reflection and flourishing can heal.

How can you help stop bullying? Tell us your story #ColorMeKind

To learn more, visit watercolorbypamela.com…

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!