Via: defendernetwork.com
When Juanita Rasmus, co-pastor of St. Johns Downtown, was diagnosed with cancer, she was thrown for a loop. With no family history of the disease and no other indicators that she might be susceptible to it, she never suspected that a trip to the doctor to check on an indigestion problem would result in discovering that she possessed an 8 centimeters-wide tumor in her kidney—and a form of cancer so rare (mucinous spindle cell carcinoma) that only 77 people have ever been diagnosed with it.
A major component in her healing regiment was her regular visits to the Cenacle Retreat Center, a Catholic retreat center located at 420 N Kirkwood Rd. (77079), where Pastor Rasmus participated prayer, meditation and regular art sessions. Through her art therapy Rasmus discovered a healing opportunity she wanted to share with others.
“Art was a part of my healing journey,” said Rasmus. “The power I experienced I wanted to incorporate into the After Dark program, the component of Bread of Life, Inc. that provides services to the homeless community when most service providers are closed.”
Hence, was born the Art Project-Houston, a therapeutic art program for the homeless community of Houston and those concerned about their plight. The program’s goal is to tap into the power of creativity and its ability to restore individuals to meaningful and productive lives. The project was launched on August 12, 2010 with a workshop consisting of over 85 artisans including clients from the Bread of Life emergency shelter, Temenos Place Apartment residents (a transitional to permanent housing program), art patrons from the community and members of St. John’s Downtown. The donations and art purchases of art patrons and members of the general public interested in supporting the initiative, help fund the program.
Art teachers guide participants through the process of painting a picture by a famous artist. And though some enter the workshops wary, they leave out believers.
“One reluctant woman came in unsure how the workshop was going to help, but she left saying that she felt like a little girl for the first time in a long time,” said Rasmus who envisions participants transitioning from asking for handouts on corners to becoming “ART-trepreneurs,” artists on corners like in Paris and New Orleans.
“The August class was filled with After Dark clients, patrons we’ve asked to donate to the program and Bread of Life staff; and you couldn’t tell who was who. There was so much peace in the room. Clients came in with that beaten down look but they left glowing,” said Rasmus.
The Art Project-Houston’s ultimate goal is to provide homeless artist an opportunity to make their own trade by creating, displaying and selling their art as a collective body through art exhibits in coffee houses, galleries and other venues around the city.
“During the sessions there is no mention of God. But if God is the creator, through art we tap into His creative power,” said Rasmus who plans to have four paint parties in 2011
The next event is this Thursday, December 16, from 1:30pm – 4pm at the Bread of Life, Inc. (1703 W. Gray St.). Those who want to donate to this effort can do so by visiting http://www.theartprojecthouston.org.
When participants leave at 4pm they will leave with their own masterpiece. This, in my mind, is a wonderful way we can empower people,” added Rasmus.
Aswad Walker
DEFENDER
