Responses to Recent Challenges
Recent events have challenged us in many ways, and responses to these challenges vary hugely. From grassroots demonstrations in support of immigrants and refugees to increasing pressure on political representatives, from buying guns and stocking supplies to renewing passports in preparation for flight, people have shown growing displeasure with the current state of affairs both national and global and have sought to regain some sense of balance, some peace of mind. The most fascinating response, however, has been a burst of creative expression unparalleled since the 1960s, when opposition to America’s involvement in Vietnam reached its peak. This surge of creativity continues to inspire events such as the Women’s March with its pink “Pussy Hats,” the deluge of passionate posters that enliven every demonstration, and cartoonists’ jubilant mockery of the current administration.
What’s behind this feisty behavior? Have we lost our moral compass? Have we lost our collective mind?
Why We Need the Arts Now
The answer is really very simple. Art as activism is healing. It restores our sense of efficacy, our feeling of personal power. It offers a fairly safe and effective outlet for our most intense feelings, and even when we know we’re mostly speaking to the choir, we also sense that on some level our opponents are getting the message.
OHI’s Fall Webinar
Our Fall Webinar, “Art as Activism: How It Heals,” showcases the work of two insightful and courageous artists from Virginia: performance artist Tammy Ruggiero and poet and writer Heather Davis. In addition to their individual art projects, these two frequently team up with theatre groups and other artists to bring activist art into their community, working with youth, elders, refugees and immigrants, and other Front Royal residents to further social awareness and healing.
Follow the link below to join Tammy, Heather, and OHI online for a fascinating discussion and video demonstration of the healing power of activist art!
Art as Activism: How It Heals
Saturday, September 9, 2017
10 am Pacific
(11 am MDT, 12 noon CDT, 1 pm EDT)