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ArtReach Project America

Thank you (again) to Sara Windrem for sending me this info!

Check out ArtReach Project America, based out of Atlanta, GA, which offers various forms of creative arts therapies groups for veterans. They’re up to some interesting projects, seminars and research, so be sure to check them out!

“The ArtReach Model™(Model) is a therapeutic approach that includes the integration of the creative arts used within a group setting that promotes a safe space.

This Model carefully fuses visual art, drama, music, movement and writing within the group dynamics. These components are seen as functions of the imagination. Each of these components makes its particular contribution to the overall efficacy of the Model.”

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Loss of a Son and Soldier

Diana Mihalakis Artwork

Diana Mihalakis Artwork

“Diana Mihalakis was pursuing a sculpture degree at San Jose State University when she learned that her 18-year-old son, Mike, had died in Baghdad in 2003, the day after Christmas.

The loss was so traumatic, she put a hold on her educational plans. Three years later, too sad to make art, she enrolled in a poetry class on campus. The pieces she composed and recited for class helped her explore her pain and loss, eventually transitioning her back into sculpture. As a testament to the power of the poetry, she created accompanying sculptures of metal and glass that grew out of individual poems.”

View a video of Diana describing her artwork and poetry here.

For more information on this exhibit in San Jose, CA, running from June 3rd — 11th please check the Milpitas Patch here and here.

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Dissociative Identity Disorder

While doing some wordpress searching for new and interesting blogs, I came across a wonderful blog by Secret Shadows who explores her life as an individual with Dissociative Identity Disorder. Her blog includes thoughts, songs, poetry, letters to her therapist as well as artwork created during art therapy sessions. She also has a list of relaxing things to do on the internet, many of which include art making techniques.

I find that being reminded of what it’s like to be on the other side of the couch, or paintbrush, is a powerful and useful tool for therapists. Also, as a person who would like to learn as much as possible about trauma, its effects and techniques for enabling the healing process, this blog is invaluable. Thank you for allowing us a window into your inner life, Secret Shadows.

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It got me again.

I’m freshly out of the hospital from a brief surgery stint, due to an abscess/fistula combo that came about from Crohn’s disease. I’m doing well, thank you for asking and I should be back to work in no time.

Its been almost 8 years since I needed to be hospitalized, and I was surprised by how the memories of past hospitalizations (which were traumatic for various reasons) came back to me…with a vengeance. It made me realize- I mean, really realize…not in the way you would take in information from reading and think about it, but from actual experience- how traumatic memories can be triggered, and how they can become bothersome once again if a similar situation arises later in one’s life. This is probably something that happens to many people with chronic illnesses, but I don’t know for sure since I tend to avoid any research on the subject…it just hits too close to home.

Although I was not feeling up to creating artwork during this incident, I did notice there were some symbols that popped into my head, that I’ll probably make artwork about in the future. A recurring fantasy is that somehow my muscles will give way, causing everything to spill out, and I’d be left a lump on the floor. Also, being cut and sewn up from surgery causes me to feel sort of Frankenstein-ish, and some of my past artwork reflects that.

When the new pieces come, I will be sure to put them up on the artwork page.