Christie (not her real name) was a young woman who came to ArtReach several times for our evening class offered to the Battered Women’s Support Group. She was always quiet, and had an un-approachable demeanor, but it was clear how much she enjoyed the time she spent working on various projects, and that she had obvious talent.

One particular evening she asked if she could draw, and from a variety of materials ArtReach had to offer, she chose colored pencils. She spent the rest of the session creating a sketch of a woman, adding her own title and words at the bottom of the page:

“The Reason –

Each and every person was put on this earth to make a difference, to make an impact. For that reason, we should make a conscious decision to never judge others, to do everything we can, to encourage talent, and to love unconditionally.”

At the end of the class, she casually tossed the page across the table and said, “Here. You can keep it.”

A month later, her framed drawing was the centerpiece of a gallery show ArtReach put on featuring artwork from the many groups of people we provide programming for - - -neglected and abused children, battered women, and seniors from assisted-living facilities.. Christie attended the opening of the show, and very proudly shared it with her family. In this way, she was able to express her message and carry it forward to others..

This story exemplifies the full circle of ArtReach’s mission: to use art as a tool for helping those without access to art experiences, and to allow them to be able for just an hour or two, forget about their hurts, problems and chaotic lives; and in the end, have a product that they can share, something to be proud of, and gain a sense of accomplishment in ways which they aren’t usually accustomed to.

ArtReach provides the materials, the leadership, and a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where people like Christie have an outlet that enables them to express what’s on their minds, or to simply relax and explore their own creativity.