1.31.2006

art and music as healing

I have this bizarre notion that perhaps my purpose here is to bring arts and music to the kids of West Central. I started by teaching piano lessons, but I really only have two students, and they are from families that can afford a piano teacher. The ones I want to teach are the kids next door who's mother could never afford it. I have this dream that this will all expand into some sort of art's-centered after school and summer program here. Kids need something creative and contructive to do to occupy their time.
The fine arts can be incredibly healing. Blues musicians deal with feelings of sadness and depression by writing songs. German expressionist painters dealt with the emotional landscape of their time and country by painting strong broad strokes with intense screaming deep colors. A scream of anguish in a painting, so to speak.
I can think of no better way for children to deal with the fact that mom and dad beat them. Or that mom and dad can't afford to pay the rent and the whole family will have to move. If mom and dad can't pay rent, they sure as hell can't afford a child therapist.
I don't know what I'm doing at all. But I have a few tools to start with. I have a collection of keyboards. I have the internet. I have piano training and teaching materials. I have a basic knowledge of crafts and some basic drawing skills. I am surrounded by people who care about children and West Central. I know a woman who is studying children and art therapy, or something similar. And I give a damn about these kids.
Most of all I can do what I really know how to do. Pray...and keep walking.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

i think my mom has a book on teaching drawing to children, and i have a few learning to draw books myself...

Anonymous said...

Wow! How come other people get great visions of awesome things to do? My visions last about 3 seconds before I tell myself that I could never do it, that it would be nearly impossible. So don't do that! I'm not that familiar with the grant world, but I do know that there are MANY out there. I think your idea is one that many donors would be interested in supporting.
Lisa

Anonymous said...

That seems like an awesome idea, Steph. I know that Parks and Rec also sponsors art classes (for kids who can afford to pay) at the Corbin Art Center, so perhaps they might be one place you could hit up for donations or contacts.
Katie