The first art show, which was at the YWCA was an intimate gathering, and very inspiring. All of the art at that show was done by survivors. The youngest artist to enter a piece was 6 years old. I kept looking around the room, and was blown away by the immense courage and strength these people had to do this art. I was so proud of Jasmine, who, walked right into the event, made up a name tag, and spent the evening chatting with people and explaining her artwork. For fun, the YWCA had a contest where the artist could win gift certificates for different categories. Jasmine won a $25 itunes gift card. Here are pics from that show
This is Jasmine, in front of her piece "Heartbreak"
A woman checking out her piece
A view of some of the pieces. All of these were done by survivors 6-18 years old.
The opening night of the art show at the Northbank Artists Gallery was on May 4th, which was a very emotional day. It was on the first birthday that we celebrated of my oldest sister since she passed away. We decided we were going to make it a very special day for Jasmine. We surprised her with a special lunch at school, I had t-shirts made that said "Nothing You Confess, Could Make Me Love You Less" around a heart on the front, And "Team Jasmine" on the back that the whole family wore to the art show. And Afterwards, we went out to dinner with the entire family at Jasmine's favorite chinese restaurant. I was so focused on making the day special for her, and trying to not cry my eyes out over not being able to tell my sister 'Happy Birthday' that I didnt really think about the fact that my art piece was going to be showing as well. We got to the art gallery, and the amazing warrior that Jasmine is, marched right in, like she owned the place, and talked to everyone about her art. Not only explaining it to family and close friends, but many strangers. Even a guy from the newspaper who took her picture and was asking her why she was there, and about her artwork. I was blown away by the bravery and poise she had. She wasnt nervous at all, and was happy to share, and explain the overwhelming words and emotion that were in her piece. I on the other hand felt very exposed with my art out there for everyone to see. I didnt hold back at all when I painted it, and it was and is so personal. It was odd watching people look at both Jasmine and my art and be overcome with emotion. One lady, sat for quite a while carefully studying both our pieces, and tears were just streaming down her face. Part of my wanted to comfort her, but part of me felt lightened by her emotional release. For a few moments, I felt like the heaviness of our trauma wasnt ours to carry alone. Dont take that last sentence the wrong way-I know whole heartedly that we are supported and loved by our family and friends, but still there are many times when its seems as if the world is moving on, and we are stuck in slow motion, weighted down my our heartbreak and trauma. When I saw that lady crying, I felt like she was slowed down for a brief moment, crying with us. As emotional hard as is has been doing the art, and writing out Jasmine's story, it has been incredibly powerful and healing. And although we have a ways to go, Jasmine feels like she can start on the next chapter of her life. Here are pics from opening night at the gallery:
This was the pic that the guy from the newspaper took. It was actually in the paper. Jasmine was carrying gifts that loved ones had brought her.
My hubby and I with Jasmine in front of the gallery. Very proud parents of our survivor.
both of our pieces up at the gallery
A man, who had seen Evard Munchs original painting, kept going back and looking at Jasmines piece, saying "Im blown away, she completely captured the feeling of the 'The Scream'"
Jasmine's piece
In closing, I want to sincerely thank everyone who came out and supported us. I can not begin to tell you how deeply we were touched by everyones love and support through this project. It means more to us then we can express.
xoxo
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