VOICES – Passport to Art

We Survive’s

VOICES – Passport to Art

March 24, 2018

Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center

 

The cold weather and rain did not dampen the spirits of those who ventured to the Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center (MAEC) on March 24, 2018, to participate in We Survive’s VOICES – Passport to ART kicked off 2018 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited.

Emcee Tara Bassett opened the event with a Fashion Show featuring a spring line of clothes from Just Creations, a not for profit Fair Trade store, and The Farmer’s Daughter Designs. Coordinated by Jacqueline “Blue” Browning and Erica Rhones, Kentucky Pageant titleholders EmmaRae Durbin, Kesley Moorefield, Adrienne Poole, Tiffany Nickleson and Aneisha Cox modeled along with Joey Bohn, Jr.

Interactive activities, acknowledgements and recognitions began with “Sunshine” Joe Mallard who was presented with a plaque from We Survive and recognized as the 2018 Honorary LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited Ambassador.  Rev. Doug Meister, Jeffersontown Christian Church was presented with an art piece created during the 2006 ScrumbleThon.  The Scrumble piece honors Tyler Diemer Taylor (1932 – 2018) founder of the Grateful Threads, which is based out of Jeffersontown Christian Church. Master Artisan “Sunshine” Joe Mallard presented the 2017 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited Tapestry honoring We Survive’s co-founder, Moody Cecil (1932-2016) to be presented to St. Augustine during the 2018 LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited event on November 3.

The event concluded with the creation of an original art piece dedicated to MAEC.  This activity was led by Nevia Greenwell, Licensed Professional Art Therapist and Manager of Activity Therapies at KentuckyOne—Our Lady of Peace.  The unveiling will be announced soon.

HOPE is what keeps challenges from defeating us!

VOICES, a participatory arts and crafts event, showcased local businesses and artisans and allowed participants to learn and understand the importance of art in our society. Exposure to art is vital to individuals in our community who are dealing with poverty, hunger and homelessness. VOICES provided education to participants on how art can be a vehicle for personal transformation and social change. 

Thank you to our supporters:  Mellwood Art Center, Danny Mac Pizza – Mellwood, We Survive-LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited, KentuckyOne—Our Lady of Peace, Bridgehaven Mental Health Services, Just Creations, The Farmer’s Daughter Designs, 502 Power Yoga, Kentucky Yoga Initiative, “Sunshine” Joe Mallard, Lynn Nackson, Dr. Fred Schloemer, Jeffersontown Christian Church-Grateful Threads, and the many artisans and businesses involved with this event. 

A special thanks to all our wonderful volunteers!

We apologize if we have forgotten anyone

 

Participant comments:

“It turned out beautifully! You could just feel the love in the room.”

“Everyone learned something positive today”

“Thank you ALL so much for giving and sharing it made all the difference.”

“Art Saves Lives”

“What an honor, and what a lovely group of courageous, creative “survivors” I met there! Their stories will inspire me forever.”