Art & Creativity for Healing

“These workshops have been life-changing. I was mad at him, the world, the Church, and God. It is here in the workshop I made peace and can move on. Thank you to the instructor.”

-Participated in the weekly Human Option Shelter Art4Healing workshop

I learned by doing this painting that there is still happiness in my life, it’s not all bad like I sometimes think – I can see good too.

My paintings are eye-opening.  They help me see how my depression, sadness, and challenges are taking over my life and artwork.  They give me perspective of how overwhelming the bad things in my life are right now.

I am amazed by how easy the process was for me and I felt a sense of relief to share my feelings in a non-judged artistic way.

Thank you very much to all donors for having this art class for us here at OC Rescue Mission.  I really enjoyed taking this class.  It opens up my mind to think of things and it relaxes me.  Thanks a lot again.

I’m not good at talking about my feelings or sharing them with others, but it was much easier to paint them, see them, and then verbalize them.

I really loved how this class opened me up and I could express so much gratitude.  It helped me realize I have a second chance to be a better mom and live a clean and sober life for my son.

Doing these exercises made me realize I have gotten away from art and doing creative things – it helped me to release some tension with all the difficult things going on.

I think this is a great opportunity for seniors to express their feelings and talk it out.  Usually, it’s hard for seniors to get a chance to share feelings.  This is the best opportunity, very helpful, and meaningful.  I’m grateful for this class.

After hearing everyone share their stories, I felt compelled to share mine in this safe place. I have never shared these feelings with anyone before and it is a huge sense of relief for me.

Coming to Art4Healing is truly a blessing.  I am able to express my feelings in a way that I am limitless.

This workshop was extremely helpful in opening me up to my emotions and allowing myself to be vulnerable.  I never imagined art would make me open up to my emotions.

“I wanted to thank you very much for the wonderful experience Jeff and especially Logan had yesterday at your Art Studio. I spoke to Jeff this morning, he said that yesterday was the most that little Logan had opened up since his mom passed away. Thank you again.”

Painting made me realize how much I like to help others and it makes me feel good.  I want to help people as much as I can.

This workshop allows you to get it all out without pressure.  It is very refreshing.  It helps to be surrounded by those who also need it.

I did this same workshop when I first came to Regina House and my paintings were dark and full of black. I am amazed to see my paintings tonight so bright and full of color – I really think I am getting better, things are looking up for me in my life and my paintings show it!

Amazing class. Helped me to express myself and open up. Taught me how to let go and allow my self to make mistakes. Without this class, I would still be stuck in my black isolated hole.

Art4Healing has helped me overcome and acknowledge feelings I didn’t know I had.  I like that I can display all of my emotions.  I’ve learned that painting helps so much with understanding myself.

This workshop about hope made me feel so much better and hopeful for my future dream to have a house of my own and for my kids someday.