Blending Passion with Support

TJ Casey: TJ is an accomplished acrylic painter who draws inspiration from his extensive travels. His love for art shines through in his dedication to creating beautiful paintings, some of which have been showcased in international exhibitions like the Swiss Art Expo. TJ's commitment to sharing his artistic journey and connecting with others through his work is truly remarkable.

Rebecca Hart: Rebecca is a passionate artist with a background in the human services field. Through her art workshops, she has fostered a sense of community, healing, and creativity among her students. With over 15 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and the geriatric population, Rebecca brings a unique perspective to the intersection of art and caregiving.

Lily Holcombe: Lily is a seasoned artist who discovered her love for art at a young age, eventually pursuing it in college and making it a central part of her career. Her interest in helping others express their creativity led her to work with individuals with disabilities, where she found a perfect blend of her artistic skills and her desire to support and inspire others through art.

Episode Summary:

Artists TJ, Rebecca, and Lily come together in this engaging episode to discuss the therapeutic power of art and their experiences in the art program at Living Resources. From creating meaningful artwork to supporting each other's creative journeys, the guests share insights into how art can heal, inspire, and bring communities together. Whether it's exploring museums, crafting new projects, or learning from one another, their dedication to art as a medium of expression shines through in this enlightening conversation.

In this episode, TJ reflects on his artistic process, including his current project of a large butterfly painting and his past experience showcasing his work at the Swiss Art Expo. Rebecca and Lily highlight the importance of creating a safe space for artistic expression, encouraging students to embrace mistakes and discover their unique creative voice. With a focus on community engagement and personal growth, the discussion delves into the transformative power of art and the joy of connecting with others through creativity.

Key Takeaways:

• Art has the ability to bring communities together, inspire healing, and spark meaningful conversations.
• Creating art in a supportive environment allows individuals to express themselves without judgment and explore their creativity.
• Through art, individuals can learn to embrace mistakes, experiment with different techniques, and find solace in the process of creating.
• The Living Resources art program offers a nurturing space for artists of all abilities to explore their talents, share their work, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Notable Quotes:

• "Art brings community together, brings beauty to the world, and starts a conversation." - Rebecca
• "Part of the way that we support [the students] is encouraging them to make mistakes here, that it's a safe place.." - Lily
• "I just like how they get to know me and know others there and get to share with others." - TJ
• "It's therapeutic because it allows you to be fully present in the work that you're doing." – Rebecca
• “I love to make art, and I love to make art with other people” - Lily
• "I just basically like to give it as my inspiration from all my travels." - TJ

Resources:

• Living Resources - Website
• Living Resources Arts Program and Galleries - Art Resources - Arts Program Living Resources

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