Responses to Recent Challenges
Recent events have challenged us in many ways, and responses to these challenges vary hugely. The most fascinating response, however, has been a burst of creative expression unparalleled since the 1960s and early 1970s, when opposition to America’s involvement in Vietnam reached its peak.
This creative groundswell has inspired events such as the Women’s March with its pink pussy hats, the unprecedented turnout in support of Native Americans at Standing Rock, the deluge of passionate posters flooding every demonstration, and cartoonists’ and late night show hosts’ jubilant mockery of the Trump administration. Rather than sinking into a sea of depression and despair, liberal America seems to have bounced back from the shock of last fall’s election and its fallout with cheeky humor and sharper wit. 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 three insightful and courageous artists from Virginia: art therapist Cathy Wolniewicz, performance artist Tammy Ruggiero and poet and writer Heather Davis. In addition to their individual art projects, Tammy and Heather 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.
Register for this free webinar to join Cathy, Tammy, Heather, and OHI online for a fascinating discussion and video demonstration of the healing power of activist art!
This event is over. However, you can view the event recording at your leisure if you sign up now.
Sign up here to receive a link to the Webinar recording:
Art as Activism: How It Heals
Saturday, November 11, 2017
10 am Pacific Time
(11 am Mountain, 12 noon Central, 1 pm Eastern)