From the Heart Presents: Voices of Resilience
Resilience. We have all heard of this word before, but what does it truly mean to you? The American Psychological Association defines resilience as “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.” Who do we think of when we think of resiliency? Most likely we have our beloved friends and families in mind, but what about our underrepresented and underserved communities?
On Friday, May 3rd, Voices of Resilience, From the Heart’s fourth event, shined a light on and uplifted the voices that are always here, but are not always heard. The talented and resilient participants speak volumes through their empowering, emotional photos in Transformative Arts Project's Second Annual Photo Voice Exhibit. Photovoice is a method that aims to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and promote inclusivity through the power of visual storytelling. The exhibit, housed at the Delaplaine Arts Center, is made up of 99 images and 78 participants whose ages range from 8-80! Dr. Laura Sherwood, founder of the nonprofit Transformative Arts Project, dedicates her career to amplifying the voices and lived experiences of historically marginalized communities while honoring individual and collective stories that emerge through art.
Photos and narratives were submitted by Asian American Center of Frederick Immigrant Communities, Ukranian Refugees, the Hood Diversity Coalition, Frederick Center youth, Frederick County Youth Council members, Islamic Society of Frederick youth, Worldshine seniors, Global Necessity, Community of Grace’s Mothers in Recovery, and Éxito Hispanic youth.
After people had a chance to view the Photovoice gallery and share their thoughts and emotions amongst one another, it was time to hear from a few special speakers of the night. Dr. Sherwood’s good friend Joshua Kamaka Alameda flew in all the way from Hawaii to share a beautiful Hawaiian prayer. Next, Dr. Sherwood shared her experience working with the youth and adult participants of the Photovoice exhibit. Marlene Young, President of the Delaplaine Arts Center, delivered a thoughtful speech on the significance of uplifting marginalized community voices through art and just how impactful the arts can be for our overall well-being, including social connection. From the Heart is driving home the fact that creating spaces for our community to feel safe, accepted, and heard are essential to our mental wellness. It is through working together that we have the greatest capacity to feel and live our best lives. Additional speakers included Jessica Fitzwater, County Executive, Elizabeth Chung, Executive Director of the Asian American Center of Frederick and Summer McClellan, LHIP Mental Health Workgroup Coordinator at the Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County.
Chef Trini at Taste of the Island cooked up a fresh, mouth-watering spread of chickpea curry, chicken kebabs, lettuce steak wraps, and more! The aromas of the flavorful food flooded the room, adding to the greatness of this event.
In case you missed Voices of Resilience, the Photovoice exhibit will be displayed until May 31, 2024 at the Delaplaine Arts Center located along the beautiful Carrol Creek in Downtown Frederick. Be sure to visit or view the Photovoice Gallery online to witness the moving photos that are not only appealing to the eye, but tell a story you can feel in your heART.
Don’t miss From the Heart’s next event, Colors of Pride, coming up on Saturday, June 1st from 1:00pm – 8:00pm at New Spire Arts!
Click here for more information and to register!
About From the Heart- From the Heart: Creative expressions in mental wellness is a 10-month campaign sponsored by the Mental Health Workgroup of the Local Health Improvement Process. The mission is to foster an inclusive and compassionate community by embracing the power of art to challenge social stigmas surrounding mental health.
From the Heart’s ultimate goals are to break down barriers, eradicate the stigma attached to mental health issues, and cultivate a society that celebrates and values the healing potential of creative expression in promoting mental health and wellness.
If you are interested in learning more about the Mental Health Workgroup, please contact Summer McClellan at Summer@healthierfrederick.org