Color Me Orange: The Power of Kindness

Behind the Artwork

Like past ArtPrize installations, Color Me Orange—Color Me Kind surfaced more stories about the power of kindness. Take Tracy’s story.

Tracy suffered through grade school bullying and shunning because of having a physical defect. Do you know what she did with her pain? She let it make her more sensitive to others. So, when she noticed Rick, another loner, she decided to take a risk. But the story doesn’t end the way Tracy expected. See what happens.

How has demonstrating kindness to someone brought a different result than what you expected? Share your story #ColorMeKind

To learn more, visit watercolorbypamela.com…

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Color Me Kind: Treating Everyone Like a Friend

Behind the Artwork

Kindness matters. The paintings of the koi fish swimming against the strong currents in Color Me Orange—Color Me Kind depicts our struggles with difficult relationships. No one is immune from hate. The words “Stop bullying” don’t cause change. But words like “Be kind” empower us to bring out the best in others.

Deliberate small acts of kindness—like encouragement, forgiveness, and love—display strength.

During ArtPrize 2016 as viewers tied orange ribbons on the canvas, the see-through orange mesh fencing became opaque with color. Thus, as a community, we symbolically made a commitment to color our world with kindness.

PS: Year after year, there are always surprises in interacting with the ArtPrize audience. In this video, enjoy this spontaneous moment with some random students. The kids are sure to make you smile!

Who needs a little kindness in your life?

Share Your Story #ColorMeKind

To learn more, visit watercolorbypamela.com…

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Hometown Hero: Healing Spaces

Behind the Artwork

Throughout ArtPrize Seven, guests approached the Hometown Hero painting with visible excitement. Laughter, smiles, hugs, and tears were evident. The bonds of love deepened as families honored important individuals.

For some, moments of silence commemorated the life of a hero. Times of remembrance, contemplation, and sadness. Many Vietnam veterans shed tears.

Others needed to talk. To pay tribute. Parents told their children about special people in their lives. Grandfathers were recognized. Tender moments between husbands and wives were conveyed in whispers and looks. The work was a catalyst for many precious moments.

What hero in your life stands out above the rest? Share your story #HometownHero

To learn more, visit watercolorbypamela.com…

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Hometown Hero: Eric’s Story

Behind the Artwork

Wars in places like Iraq show us that our world is broken. Because of this, we need heroes like Eric Burri. Heroes we can look up too. Heroes who inspire us.

Eric joined the military after 9/11 to protect our country and, sadly, died while serving. But Eric’s heroic service is about more than laying down his life for others. His inspiring story is also about his parents and a community coming together to help others. Eric’s legacy is about making a difference—demonstrating the power of a hero’s influence and how the art created to honor him also became a catalyst for healing.

What is one thing you can do to help our broken world? Share your story #HometownHero

To learn more, visit watercolorbypamela.com…

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Hometown Hero: A Legacy of Hope

Behind the Artwork

Before ArtPrize even began, a father and son took a quiet moment to interact with Hometown Hero installation. Their surprising determination to write a hero’s name on the painting, while we were still installing the work, hinted what was to come during ArtPrize. In that spontaneous moment, the father’s determination to have a teachable moment with his son ended up inspiring me too.

How do you honor the heroes in your life? Share your story #HometownHero

To learn more, visit watercolorbypamela.com…

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Hometown Hero II and Reflections of Generosity

Behind the Artwork

My series called Hometown Hero II has joined Reflections of Generosity—a military traveling exhibit founded by veteran sergeant and artist Ron Kelsey. The work promotes healing with military members and their families. In 2016, Reflections of Generosity along with Hometown Hero II, with the generous support of west Michigan BlueStar Mothers, showcased at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. to help raise awareness for PTSD and suicide prevention.

What talents in your life can be used to help others? Share your story #HometownHero

Visit Reflections of Generosity…

To learn more about my Hometown Hero interactive healing artwork…

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!