Healing through Creativity

Call For Artwork

2011-07-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

HEALING THROUGH CREATIVITY SURVIVOR ART EVENT
CALL FOR ARTWORK

Trauma Survivors and Supporters of Survivors of Trauma are invited to share art, music, writing,
poetry and other creative forms at the Healing Through Creativity Festival.

Coming September 16 - 18, 2011
2011 Healing Through Creativity Festival at the Depot and Town Hall, Bramwell, WV

Call For Artistic Works - Artistic works will be received from August 1 - September 10, 2011.
Contact us for details at info@healingthroughcreativity.org or geaux2000@hotmail.com
Artistic works of all media are invited. For example, paintings, sculpture, poetry, collage and writings.
Music, dance, drama and other media are invited. Outreach displays are welcome.
A schedule of performances and open gallery times will be announced soon.

Free Art Event for Survivors of Trauma including Rape, Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence, Crime,
War Trauma, Disability, Illness, Accidents, Grief, Loss and other Trauma

Candlelight Vigil

2011-04-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

Candle Light Vigil for Child Abuse Prevention Month & Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April 30, 2011 7-8:30PM
Chicory Square, Bluefield, WV
7-8 Music by "Doc Greenberg's Patient Jazz"
Gospel by "On Minded Wings"
...Book Signing by Cynthia Cox
Organized by: Healing Through Creativity, SAFE, East River Arts, and More

Contact 3045456286 George Robertson for more information or info@healingthroughcreativity.org

While No 1 Was Watching: Call To Artists Info & Art Show Flyer

2011-02-18T13:51:00.000-08:00

While No 1 Was Watching: Call To Artists Info & Art Show Flyer: "Are you a survivor of child sexual abuse? Would you like to lend your creative voice to help prevent childhood sexual abuse in the lives ..."

See more information at the blog for the show in NYC at

http://iamaagroupartshow-cbchapelle.blogspot.com

Healing through Creativity Brochures

2011-01-26T00:33:00.000-08:00

Brochures for the Healing through Creativity Festival.

Feel free to distribute our brochure in your local area. Our brochure has a mixture of art work from previous years, and reworked the brochure wording. What a wonderful brochure for us all to distribute.

Should you wish to help us distribute the brochures, flyers or other materials please feel free to contact info@healingthroughcreativity.org.

Some thoughts on where brochures and flyers could be placed (and have been placed in the past are):

Noticeboards, child health centers, drs surgerys, crisis centers, libraries, halls and community centers, church notice boards, university notice boards, events...

Follow this link for more information and link to brochure download

http://www.healingthroughcreativity.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=1760

healingthroughcreativity.org

2011-01-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

healingthroughcreativity.org

View photos of previous venues and Healing through Creativity art events at this link to see what the event is like. At this link, this photo, you can see a representation of the 2nd Healing through Creativity, back wall, with quilt, art works, donated t-shirts from NYC, scanned photographs and stories, poetry and art works.

Check out other photographs of previous years events to get a feel of what the event is like before travelling.

Any questions can be directed to info@healingthroughcreativity.org

The Stare

2010-10-30T17:53:00.002-07:00

I am tired and more than ready to sleep
If you were under the weight
That is pressing me low
To soft pillows of earth where
Only the leaves and the hurrying ants
Notice my eyes and how they don’t weep.

If you lay with me there you would notice
The stare that is not from my eyes, but
From something not there,
And yet it is.

I am tired and more than ready to drift
Beyond the unshakable past
That is pressing me low
To a place I can’t feel in the
Ebbing and flowing of muscle and word
And the fog in my head is surely a gift.

If you lay with me there you would notice
The stare that is not from my eyes, but
From something not there,
And yet it is.

I am tired and more than ready to heal
Releasing the force
That is pressing me low
It’s cocky and grasps at the
Core of my soul, but I’m fighting it now
As the warmth of your hand embraces the steel.

If you lie with me here you will notice
The stare that is not from my eyes, but
From something not there,
And yet it is.

--Cedartree

My Garden

2010-10-30T17:53:00.001-07:00

The green tomatoes are coming true, slowly, slowly.
On a vine, on a wire.
And all they do to ripen, inspire,
is calmly claim the sun.

The hope of pumpkins is coming true, slowly, slowly.
The yellow leaves
await the bees-
Swift magic for the orange plum.

The harvest days are coming true, slowly, slowly.
A ferocious peace has been relayed.
The ground is solid beneath the blade.
Seed and grief became as one.

--Cedartree

New Poetry

2010-10-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Crossing The Bridge

On the path there are many twists and turns.

There are days of joy mixed with heartache,

Days of utter confusion and despair mixed with hope,

Days of wondering will you ever be able to cross the bridge.

Don't lose hope, continue on the path until the bridge is within reach;

With its pure glistening water below and the warmth of the sun hitting your face.

Crossing the bridge is hard when the wounded heart is fearful of the unknown.

Are you ready to cross; leaving the old life behind?

Its hard to change when the wounds of the past have built your life.

On one side there is dark blindness; the other light and life abundance;

Which one will you choose?

Bramwell 2010 Photos

2010-09-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

Schedule 2010

2010-09-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

Join us for our 5th Annual Healing through Creativity Art Event. There are two Festivals this year.

Healing Through Creativity Survivor Art Event Sept 17-19 2010 Bramwell WV and Oct 1-2010 Roanoke VA

Join us for some exciting workshops, guest speakers, performances and explore survivor artwork. For survivors and their supporters of domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual assault, war trauma, disability, illness and other trauma. Its free to attend and enter. Presentations/Workshops this year will include Art and Healing workshops, organisation displays, poetry presentations, Live Music and survivor art works.

For more information see our website at www.healingthroughcreativity.org.

CALLING FOR ARTISTS - SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED

Please forward this message to your friends, post on your websites and Facebook and help us spread the news of this years Festivals in Bramwell WV and Roanoke VA.

Schedules 2010

Sept 17-19 2010 in Bramwell, WV
Bramwell Town Hall, 100 Simmons Avenue, Bramwell, WV

Friday, Sept. 17, 2010

1-5 PM Open Gallery and Windhorse Healing Arts

Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010

10-5 Open Gallery and Windhorse Healing Arts

10-11 Sara Johnson “Mad to Live” art therapy

11-12 noon - Laura Conkle “Internal Narrative In Action - Personal Development”

1 – 2 PM Paolette Coronel “Ignorance is Bliss”

3-4 PM Cynthia Cox “Incest Survivor Awareness”

Sunday, Sept.19, 2010

2-4PM Musical Groups

Healing through Creativity Festival - Roanoke VA
October 1-3 2010
Grandin Gardens, 1731 Grandin Road, Roanoke, VA

Friday Oct. 1, 2010

1-8 PM Open Gallery

6-8 PM Potluck Dinner on Front Porch

Saturday Oct. 2, 2010

10AM-9PM Open Gallery

11-noon Paolette Coronel “Ignorance is Bliss”

1-2PM Barbara Shine “The Healing Journal”

2:30-3:30PM Lisa Plummer “Soul Collage Workshop”

4-5PM T.Byron Kelly - Spectral Arts – Music

6-7PM "Writing through the Pain" by Audrey Roth

7 – 8PM Jenny Miller “Code of Silence: Beneath the American Dream – Multimedia Poetry presentation”

8:30-9PM Music

Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010

Open Gallery 1-3PM

Why not join us at the forum at www.healingthroughcreativity.org/forum and meet others before travelling to the event. Volunteers are welcomed.

Ask us about preferred rates for accommodation for Festival attendees.

Contact us today for more information on info@healingthroughcreativity.org

Thanks

The Healing through Creativity Team 2010

Phone: 304 545 6286
Email: info@healingthroughcreativity.org
Web: www.healingthroughcreativity.org

Independent Fundamental Baptist Abuse - Interview with Marie A. Coppla (...

2010-07-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

Callling for Presenters, Performers and Artists

2010-05-08T23:22:00.001-07:00

Submit your art work, present your workshop or performance at the 5th Annual Healing through Creativity Art Event for Survivors of Trauma.

Trauma Survivors and Supporters of Survivors of Trauma are invited to share art, music, writing, poetry and other creative forms at the Healing Through Creativity Festivals. Connect with other trauma survivors at the event. Volunteer today.

Join us in TWO LOCATIONS in 2010

Sept 17-19 2010 in Bramwell, WV
Bramwell Town Hall, 100 Simmons Avenue, Bramwell, WV

AND

October 1-3 2010 in Roanoke, VA
Grandin Gardens, 1731 Grandin Road, Roanoke, VA

The experience helps trauma survivors and promotes community understanding.

For more information visit our website and forum at www.healingthroughcreativity.org or email info@healingthroughcreativity.org

CHECK IT OUT TODAY

Venues and Locations 2010

2010-04-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

Trauma Survivors and Supporters of Survivors of Trauma are invited to share art, music, writing, poetry and other creative forms at the Healing Through Creativity Festival.

Join us in TWO LOCATIONS in 2010

Sept 17-19 2010 in Bramwell, WV
Bramwell Town Hall, 100 Simmons Avenue, Bramwell, WV

AND

October 1-3 2010 in Roanoke, VA
Grandin Gardens, 1731 Grandin Road, Roanoke, VA

Sign up for our newsletter for more information.

Free Art Event for Survivors of Trauma including Rape, Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence, Crime, War Trauma, Disability, Illness, Accidents, Grief, Loss and other Trauma

Visit our website for more information at www.healingthroughcreativity.org

HTC Brochure - Healing Through Creativity

2010-02-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

HTC Brochure - Healing Through Creativity

Thanks to all of those involved in our wonderful new brochure for the Healing through Creativity Festival.

We have used a mix of art work from previous years, and reworked the brochure wording. What a wonderful brochure for us all to distribute.

Should you wish to help us distribute the brochures, flyers or other materials please feel free to contact info@healingthroughcreativity.org.

Some thoughts on where brochures and flyers could be placed (and have been placed in the past are):

Noticeboards, child health centers, drs surgerys, crisis centers, libraries, halls and community centers, church notice boards, university notice boards, events.....etc

But I am Your Voice

2009-12-18T05:04:00.000-08:00

I know you are probably crying
Alone, not knowing what to do
Having no one to turn to
And not understanding what is happening

Confused, lost, unknown and unseen
Curled away and forgotten
The darkness of the room
Alone, looking out the window with no hope in sight

Listening, praying but no God there
To help in the slightest way
A bang on the door
Or a glimmer of hope, to be stolen at any moment

Looking at his sick face daily
Seeing the disgust; being touched
Living with evil
A nightmare on every turn

I know you don't know me
And would not acknowledge me in the crowd
But I am your voice
Where you will be, once he is gone.

Be strong, tonight may be dark and the footsteps loud
But he can never destroy you
For I am here, waiting, your future self
Writing slow tales of the horror you endured.

Feel safe knowing I am here
Keeping you kind
Getting you help
And holding you as you cry

By Tracey Copyright 2009

Festival Pics-One Of Several

2009-11-12T20:02:00.000-08:00

501(c) Status

2009-10-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

We congratulate Healing through Creativity on becoming 501(c) Status - not for profit.

Volunteers, Artists, Presenters and participants welcomed to the event. Contact us today on how you can help us.

More about the event:

Trauma Survivors and Supporters of Survivors of Trauma are invited to share art, music, writing, poetry and other creative forms at the Healing Through Creativity Festival.

More information, links and forum at www.healingthroughcreativity.org

Free Art Event for Survivors of Trauma including Rape, Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence, Crime, War Trauma, Disability, Illness, Accidents, Grief, Loss and other Trauma.

More about the forum for you and your friends:

Trauma survivors & supporters are welcome to share thoughts, creativity (art, writing & poetry, drawing, painting, sculpting, jewelry making, ...etc) and communication at the 'Healing Through Creativity' message board for survivors. Feel the light within your inner soul shine and thrive. This forum is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is creative to use their creativity as an outlet for healing and it's not just for survivors of violence, it's for survivors of any kind of trauma....sexual abuse, domestic violence, cancer, eating disorders, disease, grief and loss, disability...ect. So please feel free to join and heal with us.

Check out the HTC store for HTC artist work for sale.

Schedule 2009

2009-09-14T04:26:00.000-07:00

The Healing Through Creativity Festival is a celebration of healing with a focus on the positive.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST ON YOUR BLOG, WEBSITE OR DISTRIBUTE TO FRIENDS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING.

Oct 17 Saturday
9:00AM Opening Ceremony and Reception in Center for Integrated Art (9-9:30)
9:30AM Open Gallery
10:00AM Book Reading “Surviving Cancer and Other Tough Stuff: An Integrated Journal and Workbook for Healthy and Abundant Life and Becoming Who You Really Are” and signing by Kanta Bosniak(10-11:30).
11:00AM Crime Prevention Radio Live by Susan Bartlestone (A NYC internet radio) in and around the Festival
12 Noon Break – Open Gallery
1:00PM Creative Journaling Workshop – Supporting Positive Change by Kanta Bosniak
2:00PM Inside the Inner World of Dissociative by Heather Pate in the Main Building (2-3)
3:00PM Workshop
4:00PM “When Hope Won’t Be Found – Seeking Help For Trauma Recovery” by Sara Z in Main Building (4-5).
5:00PM Break (Possible Music and Poetry in Center for Integrated Art)
6:00PM Various Media for Telling Your Story by Will Perks in Center for Integrated Art (6-7+).
7:00PM Drumming Circle – between buildings (7-10).

Oct 18 Sunday
12 Noon Open Gallery
1:00PM When Hope Won’t Be Found – Seeking Help For Trauma Recovery” by Sara Z in Main Building (1-2).
2:00PM Self Esteem Workshop by Will Perks in the Main Building (2-3).
3:00PM Poetry Workshop by Charkara Ervin in Center for Integrated Art (3-4).
4:00PM “Life Lines: Celebrate Your Journey” Journaling Workshop by Dawn Espelage in Main Building.
5:30PM Break (Possible Music and Poetry in Center for Integrated Art)
6:00PM Workshop (To be announced) in Center for Integrated Art (6-7+).
7:00PM Music and Poetry Performances – Tommy Edwards, George Robertson & Others (7-10).

Oct 19 Monday
1:00PM Stress Reduction Workshop Kanta Bosniak in Center for Integrated Art (1-3).

Oct 20 Tuesday
6:00PM Slow Jam – Bluegrass in Festival Area (6-9).

Oct 21 Wednesday
6:00PM Theater as a Healing Art in Festival Area (6-7).
7:00PM “Life Lines: Celebrate Your Journey” Journaling Workshop by Dawn Espelage (7-8+).
8:00PM Water Heater Calab Fest – an art jam (local event from 7 – 10, details available).

Oct 22 Thursday
7:00PM Merry Pranksters Group - Festival Area (7-8).

Oct 23 Friday
12 Noon Open Gallery
2:00PM Basics of Grief and Healing by Will Perks in the Main Building (2-3:30).
3:30PM Break - Open Gallery.
4:00PM Bridgette Rose Poetry with Music in Center for Integrated Art (4-5).
5:00PM Self Esteem Workshop by Will Perks in Main Building (5-6).
6:00PM Workshop (To be announced) in Center for Integrated Art (6-7+).
7:00PM Music and Poetry Performances – Goodnight Silo and others - Festival Area (7-10).

Oct 24 Saturday
9:00AM Open Gallery
11:00AM Inside the Inner World of Dissociative by Heather Pate in the Main Building (11-12).
12 Noon Break – Open Gallery (Harvest Festival Activities will coincide with afternoon HTC events)
1:00PM Surviving Sexual Assault” presentation by LaQuisha Hall (Mrs Maryland Galaxy) 2:00PM Workshop
3:00PM Yoga For Healing by Carly Sachs and Friend in Main Room (3-4:30).
4:00PM Music and Poetry by Spectral Arts in Festival Area (4-5).
5:00PM Break (Possible Music and Poetry in Center for Integrated Art)
6:00PM Poetry Readings (Bridgette Rose, Carly Sachs and Friends in Center for Integrated Art (6-7).
7:00PM Music and Poetry Performances – Carly Sachs, Tommy Edwards, George Robertson & Others

Contact Details for the Healing through Creativity Event.
Email:info@healingthroughcreativity.org, Telephone: George Robertson 304 545 6286 Postal Address: PO Box 896, Bluefield VA 24605 USA

Where Did The Time Go?

2009-08-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that on 9/1/08 my book will have been out for one year! It still blows my mind at times that I thought this was impossible! Accomplishing this reaffirms my belief that anything is possible. It also reaffirms my belief in the healing process and that there IS hope for other survivors!

It took me almost 3 years to finish this. In 2005 I had a major triggering event with my abuser that brought ALL of these feelings back. I stand by and I am proud of this work. It has caused a major rift with my family. It is a consequence that I am willing to accept. Maintaining family relationships are NO trade off for tranquility and peace!

I am looking forward to this year's festival with great anticipation!

http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=219395

The Morning Writer

2009-08-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

This website was created by a fellow writer friend of mine. It has a lot of useful writing tools.

The one I like the most is journal prompting. For thoes of us who are not comfortable publically talking about our experiences this might be a useful healing excercise. I used to keep a journal when I was in high school. I also keep one currently. If you have some time please go and check out the website. It is also loaded with book reviews and resources for writers.

http://teresabrouwer.webs.com/apps/members/

http://teresabrouwer.webs.com/

You are Not Alone Book 2

2009-08-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

Eating Disorder Recovery is possible.

You are not Alone, Book 2, is an inspiring collection of personal recovery stories, poems, art work and song lyrics by women who are in recovery or fully recovered from an eating disorder.

Order You are Not Alone Book 2 plus free companion CD via Amazon.

Profits are donated to eating disorder organisations to help raise awareness & help others in recovery.

Andrea Roe is an author and speaker whose mission is to show individuals struggling with eating disorders that they are not alone.

Check out her website today at www.youarenotalonebook.com

Another Great Read

2009-07-09T22:37:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to read this book several years ago. The details of the abuse were so atrocious that I had to stop reading to catch my breath. Through it all he managed to survive and finally told someone what was happening to him!

Mr. Pelzer is truly an inspiration. He has been able to transcend his abuse and share his story with the world. I have also read The Lost Boy and A Man Called Dave which I highly recommend. I especially liked his other book Help Yourself.

By reading his story it reaffirms that we are not alone and that there is hope in healing.

Call for Presenters, Performers and Artists

2009-06-27T04:39:00.000-07:00

CALLING PRESENTERS, PERFORMERS AND ARTISTS

Submit your art work, present your workshop or performance at the 4th Annual Healing through Creativity Art Event for Survivors of Trauma

Trauma Survivors and Supporters of Survivors of Trauma are invited to share art, music, writing, poetry and other creative forms at the Healing Through Creativity Festival. Connect with other trauma survivors at the event. Volunteer today.

Calling for Presenters, Performers and Artists. CONTACT US NOW.

When: Oct 17-24 2009

Where : Heart of Virginia Foundation Center for Integrated Arts, Grandin Gardens, 1731 Grandin Rd, Roanoke, Virginia

The experience helps trauma survivors and promotes community understanding.

For more information visit our website and forum at www.healingthroughcreativity.org for contact details. Email info@healingthroughcreativity.org.

CHECK IT OUT TODAY

The Courage To Heal, 20th Anniversary Edition

2009-06-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, I received my copy of The Courage To Heal 20th Anniversary Edition. As I was flipping through it I noticed some changes from the 3rd edition that I would like to share with everybody.The authors have added some sections that I think may help:

Trauma and the Brain-This section talks about how trauma affects the brain chemistry and possible mental afflictions that may result. The most common is PTSD.

Using Guided Imagery-This I enjoyed reading. I have personally used guided imagery with my second counselor.

There is about a couple of pages dedicated to use of medication. I found this helpful as well. The authors have also taken out the section : Honoring The Truth. There is an expanded resource guide and the section on survivor accounts. There are other little things like more survivor poetry, list and information boxes ect. On a more personal note, I found some things that have inspired future poems about the healing process. If you can, I would encourage everybody to purchase a copy of the book. As my first counselor Carol said to me, "it is the survivor's bible".

New Poetry

2009-06-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

This new poem was inspired by an actual event that took place in my life recently. I love drawing inspiration from all sorts of places. I hope everyone enjoys the poem.

Someone In The Crowd

Saw him sitting there in the crowd

For a moment remembered the things he has done; like a thief stole youth’s dreams, innocence and possibility with one touch, the anger, rage and pain, how through the journey the spirit cleans up the mess he made

The moment over, turn and walk away, remember what has been done to live and thrive

In a new life he has no place, no longer a face or a name, now just someone in the crowd

A Must Read For Kids & Parents!

2009-06-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

There is a new book out there called My Body Belongs To Me by Jill Starishevsky. It helps children become aware of their bodies and encourages them to tell a parent or teacher when they have been touched inappropriately. I have included the link to the website.

www.mybodybelongstome.com

I would encourage parents and teachers to purchase a copy of this book and use it to educate their children. I have already ordered a copy for myself. When you have time I would encourage everybody to check out the website.

Grandin Gardens

2009-05-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in the first post, this year's festival is at the Grandin Gardens in the heart of Virginia. Here are a few pictures that I would like to share with everybody.

I will be posting more pictures in future posts. As you can see the grounds and the interior are quite beautiful! Definite possibilities!

Healing through Creativity

2008-12-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

Trauma Survivors and Supporters of Survivors of Trauma are invited to share art, music, writing, poetry and other creative forms at the Healing Through Creativity Festival.

When: October 17-24 2009
Where: Heart of Virginia Foundation Center for Integrated ArtsGrandin Gardens, 1731 Grandin Rd, Roanoke, Virginia

The experience helps trauma survivors and promotes community understanding

We open our hearts to support those who are making their way through the various stages of recovery from physical and psychological trauma. The event is inspired for the need in the community to support survivors and to seek additional resources and contacts to help in recovery. Once aware of supportive resources, individuals may follow up with any of the fine contacts from this event for more in-depth help, education and support. You know what you would give to keep just one person from suffering. Healing through Creativity promises to be a life changing experience.

Healing through Creativity features positive-focused expressions that will help trauma survivors and promote understanding. Survivors and supporters share the fun and excitement of creativity without the fears of judgment or undeserved guilt and shame. The event promotes community awareness about the needs of survivors of trauma to the body, mind and spirit.

Healing through Creativity July 2006 was a breakthrough for all survivors and in July 2007 and October 2008, Healing through Creativity returned to serve even more. Planning is underway for the 4th Annual Healing through Creativity in late 2009.

Workshops and entry are free.Artistic works include: creative writing, poetry, painting, music, drama and other works. See workshops, hear speakers and develop your own creative talents. We invite trauma survivors and their supporters to enter their original heart felt artistic works in this event. We are currently calling for participants and presenters who wish to join in the fun. Please see the website at http://www.healingthroughcreativity.org/ for more information

Healing through Creativity July 2009 Team