Here at ArtWell, we believe that the power of the arts can be used as a reminder to appreciate life’s blessings! Through the creative process, we are all given the opportunity to truly reflect on the past, rejoice in the present, and dream for the future.  In the recent weeks, our education director, Cathy, has held poetry workshops at Rhoads Elementary and Al Aqsa Academy where she encouraged the children to write about being alive, their wishes for the future, and their relationships with others.  The poems that resulted were truly special.  We would like to share a few of the poems with you today in hopes that their words will inspire you to take a step back from your daily stresses and celebrate being alive and well in this beautiful world!

Life Like the Song of Souls 

I love the people who made me and
gave me life and took great care of me
until this age or year. I am nine.
I dream of what my grandfather looks like
and what my God looks like
I wish that when I die I would go to the Heaven
I want to see angels and different sources
I stand in good relations to those who love me
I am Zubair.
I am alive and I will be my best.
I’m human like you. I’m heading where you’re heading.
That’s who, what, and where I’m heading and what I am

- Zubair;  Al Aqsa  Grade 3

Untitled

I stand in a good relation to my family.
I am a feather on the bright sky.
I stand in good relation
to all that is beautiful.
I am the whole dream
of these dreams 

– Jasmine;  Al Aqsa Grade 3

Hello Friends! This week we are wondering what comes to mind when you think of growing up? For some, stress and responsibility can make this a scary transition. For others, the new found independence of adulthood can be exciting and inspiring.  Whatever your personal views, here at ArtWell, we invite you to view growing up as a time for celebration!

Around the world, youth are celebrated for their transition into adulthood through various coming of age ceremonies. Whether the ceremony is rooted in the youth’s culture, religion, or based upon personal reflection, it can be an important way for participants to make self-discoveries and gain positive self-esteem.

Here at ArtWell, we believe that every child should be given the tools and support needed to thrive in adulthood, while gaining the chance to celebrate this transition through a ceremony with friends and family.  Through our program, The Art of Growing Up, youth ranging in age from 10-17, are given this very opportunity.

The Art of Growing Up was created by our Program Director, Julia Katz Terry. Motivated by her research on female puberty rites in Ghana, Julia envisioned a program where youth could express themselves creatively while exploring their changing identities during adolescence. Through various activities, Art of Growing Up participants use art as a reflective outlet, build self-esteem, create positive relationships and build healthy decision-making skills.

A favorite activity of Art of Growing Up participants has been mask-making.  Inspired by a coming of age ritual in Sierra Leone, participants explore ideals and stereotypes in their own culture, and paint their own masks to represent their inner beauty and who they are becoming.

As a culminating celebratory event, each Art of Growing Up participant is given the opportunity to plan their own unique rites of passage ritual.  Friends and family of the participant are invited to attend the event to see their loved one’s art, hear their poetry and provide support.  It truly is a special experience, and one that we, here at ArtWell, are proud to be a part of time after time!

In closing, we would like to leave you with an excerpt from a poem written by one of our Art of Growing Up participants, and encourage you to find a way to celebrate growing up in your own way, no matter what your age!

 -Lily, Grade 7

November 10th is getting close…

and we are thrilled be joined by friend, supporters, artists and youth as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary with An Evening of Music and Inspiration at Moore. We hope to see many new and familiar faces, and know it will be a wonderful occasion.

Download an invitation here.

To buy a ticket or make a donation click here.

Friends,

A decade ago, I began this journey with you. Driven by a passion and mission to bring the transformative, healing power of the arts to communities and individuals, The Arts & Spirituality Center has touched more than 25,000 lives in over 200 program sites since 2001. I have seen first hand the real change that our work has created. Through our programs, youth, as well as adults, have had the opportunity to reflect deeply  upon their lives and dreams, and unearth their passions and talents. Communities of different faiths and ethnicities have united, discovering common ground in their shared humanity.

As we celebrate our 10^th anniversary this year, I and The Arts & Spirituality Center staff and leadership have reflected deeply on where we have been, and where we want to go. As a part of this, we have undertaken a strategic planning process. We have also become aware that the time has come to assume a name and look for our organization that completely captures our work and programs, and positions us to reach even more lives.

Today, I am completely overjoyed to introduce ArtWell to you.

ArtWell. Awaken your dreams. We believe that ArtWell captures the essence of what we do: enabling individuals and communities to tap into the deep, limitless source of creative inspiration that has the power to bring forth renewal and wholeness. I am so proud to introduce the ArtWell name and look to the world, and it is my hope that you are sharing this joy and enthusiasm with me today.

In celebration of ArtWell’s 10^th anniversary, we will be holding two upcoming events that I hope you will be able to join us for.

Sunday, July 10
ArtWell 10^th Anniversary Celebration
The Philadelphia Zoo
11 am – 3pm
On Sunday, July 10 at The Philadelphia Zoo, we will host free art projects for children and families celebrating our 10^th anniversary. Kids can dive in and participate in animal-themed art projects, led by our teaching artists, such as making masks and writing poetry. Youth are provided with the opportunity to reflect upon and be inspired by the animals at the Zoo while Marcy and Jan create a festive ambiance with their amazing drumming.

We are able to offer a discounted Zoo admission of $10 (regular price is $18 for adults and $15 for children ages 2-11) so you can enjoy our activities and a day of fun at The Zoo. To secure a discounted ticket, please RSVP to Julia Katz Terry at info@theartwell.org by July 6. When you arrive at The Zoo that day, there will be an ArtWell table where  you  can check in  near the Zoo entrance. You will be given a voucher for the number of tickets that you have reserved and can pay for at that time.

We hope that you are able to join us on July 10!

Thursday, November 10
ArtWell 10^th Anniversary Gala
Moore College of Art & Design
6-9 pm
Join us for a gala evening of celebration and music in honor of our 10th anniversary and Dr. Cathleen Cohen, the Rev. Dr. Eugene Bay and Ms. Adab Ibrahim. Please save the date and look for a formal invitation and more details to follow soon!

I have so much gratitude for each of you. You have been an integral part of our community, whose support and contributions over these past 10 years have helped the Arts & Spirituality Center grow into the life-giving ArtWell it has become. I wish to express my heart-felt thanks to you, and I look forward to your on-going partnership in the coming decade as we continue to explore the depths of the possibilities before us. By helping to bring the power of the arts to thousands, you are changing lives, you are awakening dreams.

Sincerely,
Rev. Susan Teegen-Case
Founder & Executive Director
ArtWell