I learned of a grants for arts program through the Ventura County Arts Council that combines an artist with a partner who wishes to create a benefit for the community. I had an idea and decided to check out the meeting. I currently have no partner, just an idea that has been in the back of my mind for some time.
The meeting was like other business presentations but I soon learned that it also had exercises. During the presentation, I learned that you could apply for a grant from the Arts Council. The artist and the partner could continue to do additional fundraising for the project to get the monies needed.
First we were asked to share what projects we each had in mind. I shared that I had been thinking of creating a program where my art would be loaned to patients in hospitals or convalescent homes while people were healing and that the art would contribute to the healing. It was nicely received and I was told they had done a similar project in Ojai.
Then we did another exercise. At first I was dreading them but I got into the swing of it and did them. The last assignment was a tough one. We had to write a story in 30-40 words, meaningful to those in the community about our project that would encourage someone to contribute. It was to be more about the community benefits then about the artist. I’m thinking what? 30-40 words? Is he kidding? Being a blog writer, I barely get blogs done under 500 words and he wants only 30-40. And he wanted it in 2-3 minutes. Tall order!
I called in my inner giraffe and did it. We were asked to share our stories. My mind kept me busy with all the reasons I shouldn’t share. After several had shared, I decided to share because I realized I won’t learn anything if I don’t. He was critiquing each one explaining how they could improve it.
So I read my little story aloud and in the middle of it, I got so caught up in the emotion of what I wrote, I began to tear up. When I finished, a woman said, I’ll buy. I was surprised. I have been told I can write powerfully. I accepted the compliments but wasn’t convinced of it or accepted the truth.
That night I realized what I could do with words. It was eye opening and I was awed by it. And presenter noted how only one word pointed back to me. I did what was asked. So what did I write? Here it is in 36 words after one rewrite:
“Alone, ill and ready to transition, Rosa had helped her loved ones move on. A painting arrived in her room to brighten her days. Two weeks later she returned home. She is now a hospice volunteer.”
Have you ever done an exercise that showed you what you were capable of, that showed you in a way that couldn’t be denied what you can do? What was your reaction?
What a fascinating experience, Julieanne, and how affirming to you. You obviously communicated your passion and emotion in your writing. The idea of using art for convalescence and healing is such a good one. My father stayed at a facility for people with dementia, and they had art borrowed from some New York museums, which had set up a program of art sharing. The staff felt the art really calmed and engaged the residents. They even had some field trips to the museums.
Judy
The Reflective Writer
http://www.thereflectivewriter.com
Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing
Yes, I know my art and others art has made me feel peace, joy and delight at the beauty. And everyone likes having their vibrations raised!
Yes. Through my leadership course at CTI. Powerful course that opened my eyes even further. A growing experience that will help me grow leaders. Abundance.
Sue Bock
http://couragetoadventurecoaching.wordpress.com
How wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
I get so excited about the connection between art and healing. Performing art is a large part of what I do and it has been an amazing way to take risks and see impact from a very deep place inside
Performing art and making people laugh is a marvelous way to heal. I really thought people would not think my idea was good at the meeting. I had many surprised there!
I love what you wrote and how it shows that often less is more. And the fact that it moved you moved others. I know when I can let go and tell what is in my heart with my heart felt emotion as you did then I can reach others and reach myself. Powerful lessons.
Susan Berland
Yes, it was a powerful lesson. As I read my story, I found I was believing it which brought the emotion out. Our brains truly don’t know the difference between truth and story. I was stunned at my own reaction. And yes, less is indeed more powerful than more. Thanks for the compliments.
Yes. I’ve done that before. I was surprised and pleased. I’m also pleased we have being an artist in common!
Yeah, another artist! What medium or type of art do you do?
I do love the what happens in those moments when an experience is so strong that we can’t refute something we often deny that others see in us. I think those are transforming moments. I was also thinking about how elders (a category I live in now) and people who are ill respond so profoundly to animals and art could surely have the same kind of impact. I love it!
No joke, Sharon. I couldn’t refute it and I had to accept it. I have been so afraid to accept my talents for fear I would become an egotist but that doesn’t happen. I feel so grateful and surprised and thrilled. Yes, animals and elders enjoy the beauty and serenity of art, music. Why do we wait so long to do that?
Beautiful short story. I always get very anxious when activities and exercises are thrown at me unexpected. I’m a researcher, and even though I test ambidextrous and I do have artistic tendendies, I also have a strong left-brain that doesn’t like spontaneous creativity on demand like that. I have to have inspiration. I love the concept of sharing your art into rooms to help people heal.
Yes, I do too. But lately if I’m pushed and I just give in and do it, I’m amazed at what flows. Try it sometime and forget judging what you are doing.
Wow! this is a very powerful story Julieanne. I missed this one. Good work! Hope you get the grant, sounds like a very rewarding project.