When we met veteran Michael, he didn’t want to participate in our art program. At the time, he was living in a makeshift tent along the river and carrying the weight of years of military service, missed birthdays during deployments, divorce, and, in his words, all the “shit” that had accumulated along the way.
Eventually, Michael decided to create a painting.
During ArtPrize, a 3-week art exhibit in Grand Rapids, Michigan, something remarkable happened. Michael stood beside his artwork every day, rain or shine. He talked with visitors, heard their encouragement, and remained alcohol- and drug-free throughout the entire exhibit.
The following year, Michael came back to see us. This time, he had good news: he now had permanent housing and a job.
Art did not solve everything Michael was facing. But the opportunity to create, be seen, and experience encouragement from the community played a part in helping him to take the first steps towards healing.
Sometimes a painting becomes more than a painting. It becomes a place to begin again.