AWE Artists, John & Jessica, with the ‘Hope Totem.’

Participants in Sojourner’s Healing Art program, in collaboration with Artists Working in Education (AWE), have completed several mosaic tile art projects, including ‘Hope Totem’ and ‘Hope Rises.’ Survivors and children worked on the projects on Wednesday nights over the past 2 years.

Sojourner Volunteers Merrill & Elizabeth

‘Hope Totem’ is on display at the Family Peace Center, near the Education Center entrance by the main parking lot. ‘Hope Rises’ will soon be installed at Alice’s Garden Urban Farm, located at 2136 N. 21st Street.

Many people have contributed to these projects throughout the last 2 years. Clients in different stages of their healing journey were referred by every department at Sojourner. Many hands touched the individual tiles that make up each piece, so the sculptures and panels are a perfect visual representation of the many lives impacted at the Family Peace Center.

Everyone had so much fun participating in the Wednesday night sessions, that at the end of the program, Sojourner offered “Family Fun Nights” where they continued to provide art activities in the evening. Clients have made jewelry, window decorations, clay sculptures, paper sculptures, pillows and paintings of all kinds. During the last summer session, Sojourner staff threw a party to thank our dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers.

“Art brings people together,” said Sojourner Arts Program Coordinator Lindsay Schwenn. “It allows us to get comfortable focusing on a specific goal, but leads to conversations and deeper connections over time and shared experience. Art making is therapeutic in so many ways and it is an honor and pleasure to explore new opportunities to connect with others through art.”

We appreciate our friends at AWE and the many volunteers who assisted with these healing art projects. This work was made possible through a grant from MPS Arts and Humanities.

Hope abounds in Sojourner's Healing Arts Program