“I never thought I’d live to see this day.” Quote from a neighborhood child as he came upon the paint party and was invited to join the paintitng.
It was a cold day Sunday, but hearts were warm and the paint was flowing. On Sunday 20-30 adults and children came together to paint messages of peace for New Orleans, New Orleans Spirit, and messages of support for the creative memorial artwork that Willow has made in response to her son’s death.
It was beautiful to see such a diversity of people engaged in creativity; each person focused on their own work of art, or sharing in the painting of a door, or a window. From the neighborhood children, to young activists, to families with their children; everyone was smiling, as the colors flowed.
One thing that becomes apparent in participating and observing at the paint party, is that we are all unified in the act of creation. Even as individual painting was happening, there was a feeling in the air of potential, of ideas swirling, hanging in the air, waiting for someone to catch them and make them visible in a painting.
Willow often says, “The way to counter destruction is through creation.” And when you experience the collective, unifying, energy of many people creating together, it becomes real, observable to anyone who participates or simply passes by. Creation is uplifting and in it there are no boundaries to divide us or separate us from another. Creation brings us together joyously, each eager to see the others’ painting, inspiring us to paint one more.
It isn’t the end product that brings about inspiration and happiness, it is the act of creating itself. Beautiful artwork was created, some truly fine pictures, and there was also art that was more abstract and less refined. But the gift that comes from the experience is feeling a part of this beautiful creative flow, with each other, expressing and creating comm-unity.
We each have a voice and when we bring ourselves to collective experiences of creation, we bring our stories together, and begin understanding how we are all singing one universal, human song of being. Willow said, “To hear this chorus of voices rising alongside mine is so wonderful.”
We are grateful to everyone who came to create this experience. And to Avi at NOLA Rising, and Charles Anderson with United for Peace, for their support, organizing skills, tenacity and bright spirits.
The children keep asking “will it happen again?” We hope so.
RAIN DATE
DUE TO SATURDAY’S FORECAST FOR RAIN,
THE PAINT PARTY HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL SUNDAY.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11TH, 2009, 1pm
Please join us in a visible show of love and solidarity that outshines hatred and small mindedness. This event is open to the public. Some materials and paints will be supplied by NOLA Rising, but please bring your brushes and paints if you have them.
Sunday, January 11th, 2008 1pm
PAINT PARTY Sponsored by NOLA RISING!
All of the artwork made at the event will be displayed on front lawns, porches, stoops, windows, or any other place that is visible to the public. We are doing this consolidated effort not only to express our gratitude for Willow’s amazing gift to our beloved city, but also to highlight the revitalizing powers of therapeutic art.
