Open Hands Invitation

General

Open Hands drawings

Do you know the fictional story “Babette’s Feast” by Isak Dinesen? Babette, once a famous chef, is a refugee, who escapes the French civil war and resettles in Norway. For the next twelve years, she cooks for two devoutly religious sisters—without pay. One day, Babette’s financial position changes, so she decides to prepare a lavish feast for the sisters and their neighbors. Overwhelmed by Babette’s generous hospitality, the meal helps heal the broken community.

Like Babette, what is one way you could sacrifice for another? To symbolize giving to others, trace your hand on a piece of paper. Then jot a note or a single word on how you can specifically become a healing agent in your broken family or fractured community.

Open Hands—inviting open dialogue and healing action—one hand at a time

Pop Up Art on the Golden Gate

Behind the Artwork

Pamela's Open Hands project on the Golden Gate Bridge

Where in the world is Open Hands now? While creatively traversing the country, we’ve been randomly engaging people on the streets with this question: “How would you help heal our broken world?”

Self Care Open Hands drawingOpen Hands, inspired by Babette’s Feast on stage, first debuted on the streets of New York City in March of 2018. This mobile work continued in Denver area schools and, then in 2019, the spontaneous work showed up on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Where will Open Hands pop up next? Follow us on Instagram to find out and help us reach our first goal of one thousand handprints. Imagine the potential of this healing work; each response turned into action could transform a culture that thrives and flourishes.

Open Hands—inviting open dialogue and healing action—one hand at a time

Intentional Kindness

From the Heart

By Guest writer and Cornerstone University Student Alex Perry

If you are anything like me, you tend to live your life in a bubble. I often find myself gazing off when I am working on something to think of a person, place, situation that is not happening in the current moment. People have had to call me back to earth from a daydream quite a few times. I can be unaware of the struggles of others because of this habit.

This week I have been trying to be more aware of others. I can have an effect on the lives of people around me by paying attention to my surroundings. One thing I have done this week is to go out of my way to talk to a friend who is alone. As a college student, during the last weeks of the semester, I find myself wanting to keep to myself and worry about my own tasks.

But I know that people need kindness during times of stress. Like end-of-the-semester stress! Instead of walking by, I stopped to chat with my friend and found myself encouraged after our conversation. (I hope she felt this too!) I do not know the specific struggle she may have been facing, but I do believe that a small act of kindness goes a long way.

Personally, when people talk to me and ask me how I am doing, I feel loved and cared for. It is a sign that they care enough about me to pause their busy day and talk with me to make sure I am okay. These encounters then inspire me to talk to others who may be feeling lonely or discouraged. I am able to encourage and affirm them. Doing this also helps me feel connected with others—that I am part of something larger than my own little world.

Do you create your own bubble too? I challenge you to break out of it and encourage someone today. Start small! You never know how far a simple act of kindness will go in the life of someone who is feeling alone, overwhelmed, or discouraged. You have the choice to speak life into others. Be intentionally kind.

Broken Wings: Engaging Art!

Behind the Artwork

Broken Wings engages the viewer through art and invites growth. It’s a twofold process. First, just like a butterfly changes within the cocoon, individuals are invited into a transformative experience. A personal opportunity for growth. As visitors interact, the work begins the process of changing, transforming, and emerging.

Secondly, the work connects the artist and the viewers through collaboration. One smiling woman said, “This work makes me feel so connected to others. My kindness promise is linked to another’s promise. So, in a way, this work links us all together.”

This woman experienced hope through engaging art. She experienced the power of healing within an interactive creative experience. Her contribution, as well as everyone else’s, has the potential to bring about collective change. Eventually, after visitors had written their promises and the work was ready to emerge, like the butterfly, the kindness-promises took flight.

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

It was an honor for Broken Wings to be featured at the @grmuseum for #ArtPrize10.

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Cyberbullying: Equipping a Child

General

Cyberbullying provides the unique opportunity for bullies to viciously and anonymously hurt others through the use of electronic devices. Tragically, some of the victims end up being so overwhelmed by effects of cyberbullying that they suicide.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year, according to the Center for Disease Control. For every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide attempts. Over 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide, and almost 7 percent have attempted it.

To help promote safety and healing for vulnerable students struggling against social aggression, Broken Wings has teamed up with Jeff Veley, a national bullying specialist. Jeff has over a decade of experience with equipping parents and educators to help students navigate social challenges. Visit Jeff’s website for more helpful information on empowering students to cope with the unique threats and dangers of cyberbullying.

What is one thing you can do to counteract cyberbullying? How can you encourage others through your social media posts?

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: Nurturing Kids

From the Heart

Children are precious and beautiful like the butterflies. Each child is unique like each butterfly. But children are fragile, too, like the butterflies. So, they need to be nurtured. Cared for.

During my middle school years when my parents were separated, a family new to our community invited me over for dinner—to encourage me. This family treated me with kindness throughout one simple evening. But decades later, I still remember their kindness. I still remember their love. I still remember thinking this is what a healthy family looks like.

My Broken Wings art exhibit is about reaching kids in need. The art challenges viewers to get involved and start a Butterfly Effect—where one positive choice impacts another positive choice. By living a life of compassion and treating others with kindness, we can help strengthen children. If everyone tries to live by the kindness code, consider the impact this could have across the world.

We can make a difference—through kindness. We can make a difference in the life of a child. Decades ago, one simple meal made a generative impact on me—and eventually my broken butterfly wings took flight.

How can you invest in one child in need and make a difference through kindness and encouragement?

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: Cyberbullying and Free Resources

General

It’s an honor for Broken Wings to collaborate with national bullying specialist, Jeff Veley. Jeff has been helping students for over decade deal with bullying issues. Through a variety of free materials online, Jeff helps students make friends and manage enemies. His online videos give tips on how to navigate cyberbullying as well.

Cyberbullying presents unique challenges with anonymity and an endless cyber reach. Younger and younger children are gaining access to online exposure through their devices, such as cell phones, laptops, and iPads. Bullies and other dangerous predators can potentially influence or communicate with your children or students through these devices.

To counteract this possible risk or danger, Jeff has compiled free resources on various topics. He also keeps parents and educators up to date with rapid ever-changing apps and technology. Visit Jeff’s website to learn more on how to protect your kids.

What is one thing you can do to help keep the children safe on their devices?

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!