Helping the children

I used to think of abuse as either physical or sexual, when in fact there is abuse at varying degrees and in different forms.

Abuse can be in the form of physical, sexual, torture, rejection, neglect, humiliation, malnourishment etc. Sometimes children are victims of more than one kind of abuse. For most children, the trauma is immediate, for others the destruction of childhood innocence is a slow ongoing process, but for all, abuse creates pain that can last a lifetime.
Free Arts Minnesota serves to interrupt the cycle of violence.
We may never be able to stop abuse completely, but if we can at least interrupt the cycle, then we have a chance at decreasing the prevalence.

Some of the benefits of art for children include: improvement in the ability to be attentive and engaged in school, greater self-esteem, improvement of personal motivation, improvement in the ability to be self-expressive, improvement in the ability to communicate, and an increase in positive relations with adults.

To find out how you can help kids, click here to learn about 10 things you can do!

Imagine

When I read about the children that have benefited from Free Arts programs, my heart melts. These children have been through such trauma, that no child or person should ever have to witness or experience. I read about Derek and it makes me angry on one side and yet it comforts me to know that there IS an outlet for these children. There IS a way for their wounds to heal. There IS a way for them to become adults that make good and healthy decisions. There IS a way to stop the cycle of violence.

HeARTfull Expressions benefiting Free Arts Minnesota/ Saturday May 22nd/ Chisago City Community Center/ 11am-4pm

Why art works

Have you ever wondered what makes art so magical?

How does art heal the wounds of trauma?

Click here to find out why art works.

Free Arts programs seek to interrupt the cycle of violence.

Art supply donations

I received a donation for the art supply drive last night.

My co-worker and friend, Lisa, and her 7 year old daughter went shopping yesterday and picked up all these goodies. Thank you both for your contribution; it is so appreciated!

Free Arts Minnesota is always in need of more supplies for their programs.

To find out what they are in need of, check out this link.

If you would like to donate supplies, you can donate to Free Arts Minnesota directly, contact me or come on May 22nd to the HeARTfull Expressions event.

Magic words

I was reading one of the blogs that I follow and felt that this article really tied in with what Free Arts Minnesota provides for children. These children come to Free Arts, often defeated, lonely, scared and with little to no self-esteem. They lack positive relationships with adults. Their needs are often basic but unattended to.

What if we had a world where each child was surrounded by adults that believed in them? I think it would be truly amazing. Just think of a time when someone said they believed in you. Think about the confidence it gave you and the self-worth you felt. Think about what became possible just by having heard the words.

Free Arts Minnesota is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the healing powers of artistic expression into the lives of abused, neglected and at-risk children and their families. Through art they build confidence and self-esteem. In the weekly mentor programs they build positive relationships with adults.

Imagine a world where every child has an adult that believes in them!

Vendor Spotlight: Vick and Toots

I am excited to announce the next craft vendor which will be Vick and Toots.
They are a mother and daughter team.
They knit and sew and screen print some pretty awesome items. I love the unique screen printed shirts!!

Please check out the link above.

I am happy that they will join us at the HeARTfull Expressions event/ Saturday May 22nd/ Chisago City Community Center