Call for Presenters, Performers and Artists

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

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

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!

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

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

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