Healing

It all begins with an idea.

Below is part of an article written about my work as a therapist and community organizer.

On the afternoon of July 15, New Narrative’s Mill Park Clinic was transformed. Lobby furniture was removed to make room for art covering the walls and tables in a variety of mediums, from charcoal drawings to sculpture. The sounds of a solo musician playing electric guitar filled the space with calming tunes. Later, a spoken word artist delivered poetic and powerful lyrics. In a side room repurposed for art therapy, people were gathered around tables working on projects and conversing with NewNarrative staff members. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves as they explored the exhibits and checked out items for sale. Some ordered food from local vendors who had set up shop inside.

Vanessa Dewees, an Unlicensed Residential Program Manager at New Narrative, enjoyed the day. “I appreciated the opportunity to connect with participants in a different way to talk about their art, the other pieces they enjoyed looking at, the music that was playing; it was a great experience to interact in that way. I also appreciated the family friendly atmosphere. My kids came with me so we could help set up and they enjoyed the whole process and talked about the cool art they saw and the music they got to listen to for the rest of the day. They got to draw and make slime.”

The person who brought this event to life is Priscilla Tran, a Mental Health Clinician at Mill Park. “When we are able to be seen in our joy, our hurt, our pain, and our reality – it is met with relief, intimacy, connection, and clarity,” they said. “I think that was the inspiration behind the Art Galleria; as a counselor, I have had the honor of witnessing my participant’s art [through] music, painting, poems, and so much more.”

Priscilla had put out an agency-wide call for art submissions and was surprised by the volume of pieces brought to their office, some the day before the show. It was clear that New Narrative’s participants had something to say through their work, and wanted to the community to see it.

To read the full article please follow this link: https://newnarrativepdx.org/new-narratives-art-galleria-art-and-mental-health/