Be here now.

It is hard to be truly kind without being present.
Be in the moment.
Be open to what is around you.
Try not to succumb to mindless routine.

This post is in response to Spring's Law of Attraction Part 2 video.

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.

The way that art heals...

The way that art heals, is a fascinating thing.

I remember when I quit smoking, thinking I was going to need something to keep me going. I started painting. I would paint gifts for others, I would paint for myslef and sometimes I would just paint to feel good and distract myself. That was nine years ago.

I have always used music as a way to escape into myself and seek answers. I remember as a teenager, during times of mother-daughter disagreements or having issues with my peers, I would play my music loudly and sing through my anger and sadness. It really helped. It helped to relieve the tension. It helped to get me back to reality and deal with issues. It helped me sort my troubles. It helped me become me.

I still use music as a healing tool. When I am anxious about something, I have a few "go-to" inspirational songs that I play and sing to. The songs calm my nerves and help me to get through. I also use music to get through otherwise boring tasks, like cleaning! The right song can also put my happy mood into an extremely happy mood!

I use photography as a way to express myself. Taking my camera on a walk to capture all the beauty of the world, truly has renewing powers!

Through artistic expression, I have discovered things about myself that I would have otherwise never known.

What has art/writing/music/etc/ done for you?

What would have happened if you hadn't had those avenues to express yourself?

Please email me or comment here. I look forward to hearing your stories!

Generosity

The HeARTfull Expressions event is coming together bit by bit. I am so in love with the flow of life and generosity of others. So many people this week have been offering up items/services for the silent auction. I am very excited about the variety of art and other items that will be up for auction!! When the it gets closer to the event, I will have a list of all the items up for auction.

I am in search of more vendors for the Craft/Trade show.
We have some 8x8 spots available for $30 and 8x10 spots available for $45. For more details, please email me visualessence@gmail.com

HeARTfull Expressions Event benefiting Free Arts Minnesota/ May 22nd, 2010 11am-4pm/ Chisago City Community Center

Be sure to spread the word!

Thank You,
Krista

" An attitude of gratitude brings opportunities" Yogi Bhajan

What is Free Arts Minnesota?

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.

That is very inspiring to me! I just think of what some children go through and how they often do not have an avenue for all that they are feeling or the thoughts they have buried. Or some may choose unhealthy avenues. Free Arts Minnesota helps children become the kind of adults they want to be!


HeARTfull Expressions/ Saturday May 22, 2010/ Chisago City Community Center