Colors of Compassion brought community members from all walks of life together for a night bursting with vulnerability, empowerment, and compassion. Dr. Laura Sherwood, Founder of Transformative Arts Project (TAP) worked closely with Heartly House’s Jenn Metcalf, Director of Community Engagement and Prevention, to coordinate, plan, and execute the inspiring event. Heartly House offers comprehensive, judgement free services free of charge to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and child abuse. Colors of Compassion showcased how survivors of these traumatizing experiences utilize art in their healing journeys, including a panel on this topic, artistic performances, and more.

The evening began with an introduction to the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), facilitated by Laura and Barbara Pinnock, Executive Director of Community of Grace Organization. This technique focuses on tapping the 12 meridian points of the body, such as the heart, to relieve symptoms of a negative experience or emotion. Barbara then set the tone for the evening with a peaceful sound bath. Heartly House’s Survivors Speakers Bureau took the stage to discuss how art has been so healing in their mental wellness journeys prior to, during, and post-trauma. Jenn Metcalf facilitated the panel, including artists Cynthia Corro, Jessie Bunk, and Gaby Nobody.

The unforgettable artist performances included...

Jessie Bunk: Ambidextrous art demonstration

Annabelle Shiver: Poetry

Gaby Nobody: Musical performance

Adrien Gehring: Poetry

Lanai Monroe: Spoken word performance

April on South: Musical performance

Dee Calhoun: Musical performance