HeARTfull Expressions Event Pics

All the money from the HeARTfull Expressions Event went to Free Arts Minnesota.

The picture you see here is me with one of the murals painted for the 2010 Metro Murals project. Kids and adults enjoyed expressing themselves at the art project table.

People enjoyed shopping at the Vick & Toots booth.

Jan Geisen's beautiful polymer clay jewlery

Scotty "Izwel" spent time drawing and selling his artwork.

All photographs were taken by Seefeldt Photography.

Success!

The HeARTfull Expressions event was a success!!

WE raised $1,562. 20, plus a few boxes full of art supplies!!!

I feel so much gratitude for the vendors believing in this cause and really making this event come to life. Each of you really added to this event with your unique personalities and talents. Thank you so much!!

My family and friends volunteered their time and efforts to bring all the details together. From the baking, shopping, and preparing food to the greeting people, stacking chairs and arranging tables; they really jumped in and made the event seamless! Thank you all for all the big and little things you did to make this a wonderful event!

In the end it doesn't only matter how much money was raised; there is so much more to success than money. I have met such amazing people on this journey. Business people who were encouraging and helpful and giving. Strangers who became friends and cheerleaders for the event. New ideas for art projects have started to emerge. Hearts and minds are being opened to possibilities. New relationships have formed.

More than anything, we built awareness about Free Arts Minnesota. I do think people believe in or are beginning to believe in the healing powers of artistic expression. I do believe the ripples from this event will reach beyond where I can see. I do believe there is more to be done. I do believe the planning for the 2nd annual HeARTfull Expressions Event will begin soon.

It may take one person to have an idea, but it takes a community to make it work!

Thank you!!!

Silent Auction Items

The silent auction will run from 11am-3pm and winners will be called out at 3:30 and you must be present or able to pick-up your item by 4pm that day.

We've got hand-knit items, purses, jewelry, restaurant gift certificates, homemade jam, paintings, sports store gift certificate, coffee, wine basket, home fragrance basket, service certificates etc.

Come join us for a good cause at the HeARTfull Expressions event on May 22nd.

And one more thing, we are going to have Starbucks coffee....mmmmm!

How far?

The consequences of abuse may include:

• inability to be honest or self expressive
• vulnerability to involvement in criminal and deceitful activity
• fear of any kind of touch
• depression, withdrawal and suicide
• distrust toward adults and caregivers
• substance abuse
• failure to thrive

More can be seen here at Free Arts Minnesota.

How far can the ripples reach if a child is given access to the healing powers of artistic expression? What if we can interrupt the cycle of violence, so that these children are given the opportunity to be whoever they want to be in this world? What if we can make a difference in the life of child?

Free Arts Minnesota helped 1,724 children in their Weekly Mentorship Program in 2008. There are more children to be served.

I think it is important to work at both ends from child abuse prevention to after-care.

Join us on May 22nd, for the HeARTfull Expressions event and learn more about Free Arts Minnesota.

Sweet treats!

Come to the HeARTfull Expressions event and enjoy a yummy treat.
There will be breads, bars and trail mixes OH MY!

Only 2 1/2 weeks away. Start looking for the sign in front of the Community Center on Monday May 17th.

Vendor spotlight: Artsy Smartsy

Tina from Artsy Smartsy will be at the HeARTfull Expressions event on May 22nd. Tina will provide a short art lesson at her booth and guests will be able to take their project home. This is great for kids and adults. Art is therapeutic no matter how old you are!

I am so excited that there will be hands on art activities!

Bring the whole family!!!

Vendor spotlight: Light of the Soul, Inc.

I've got to tell you about another vendor that will be at the HeARTfull Expressions event on May 22nd, 2010. Jeanne from Light of the Soul Inc. will be there selling scented lotions, displaying artwork and providing sample energy sessions.

This is a woman full of spirit! She helps others connect with the truth of their soul. We all have great possibility and sometimes there are things blocking us from following our dreams or being true to our self.

Please join us for an afternoon of Arts, crafts and healing!