Common Art organized and held one of its biggest art shows at the Prudential Center last weekend. City Heart had more than thirty Common Art artists who signed up to display and sell their work to Boston. The community was so excited last Wednesday and the studio filled up quickly with many faces I had not seen in a while. So many members of the community worked so hard to get the final details in order and make sure that everyone who wanted to be included in the art show was. They really did a great job. Among the many amazing pieces I saw, was colorful, glittery city scene. An artist who I have not gotten to know very well because she does not regularly attend was painting it and the painting made me stop my rushing around; it was so unique to her own artistic style, fashion, and voice and its sparkle made me smile. It was as if the painting were alive. I admired this woman’s vitality and bold yet playful way of expressing herself. All of the Common Artists remind me to be brave in my own expression, which seems funny coming from an Expressive Arts Therapies student, but you know what it is true, the Common Art artists’ ability to let their art speak is truly inspiring! I am thankful that Amanda could be there to represent the interns and I can’t wait to hear how the show went.

Evey continues to teach a line dance to all of us at Café Emmanuel. I have had so much fun and laugh more in our dancing classes after lunch than I probably do all week. I have noticed more confidence in the men who have joined our group, as well as more energy, more pep in their step. It is incredible how dancing connects us to each other in ways verbal communication doesn’t always. I have been lucky enough to see it firsthand. When we were unable to dance after lunch last week, one of the men disappointed and a bit frazzled when he looked at me with such sincerity and asked “Liz, why no dance?” I explained that even though we were unable to do the lesson that day, he could count on us dancing next week and he seemed relieved. It made me realize just how much the dancing lessons were affecting people. It couldn’t have happened without Evey, whose confident leadership patience and skill continue to impress me.

So many women came to the Art and Spirituality Prison Group last week, the circle seemed much larger than it had in previous weeks. Evey and I sat with two women who had not been to the program in a while. They were so friendly and welcoming and had both Evey and me laughing almost the whole time. One of the women spoke about her children very proudly. Although she had experienced a lot in her life and was sad about being incarcerated and away from her kids, it amazed me how she had somehow maintained an innocence and lovingness within her. Despite her challenges and pain, she was so loving. It made me think that when we talk about creating “safe” places for people to make art through different mediums within the Expressive Arts Therapies program that opportunities for people to get in touch with their inner child and possibly heal some of their wounds happens spontaneously. The Art and Spirituality Program creates these opportunities for women who need it most. I almost welled up at the end of our last group meeting with happy tears because of this realization and the women’s beautiful smiles of appreciation.

It is hard to believe that Evey, Amanda, and I will be leaving our first year internship at Emmanuel in less than a month. It strikes me lately as I reflect on how difficult this goodbye will be that I can’t think of a better placement for any of us and I will never forget the uniqueness and warmth that is Emmanuel Church or how I hit the jackpot with interns like Amanda and Evey. It is also becoming more clear to me that although Amanda, Evey and I come from different states, modalities and even backgrounds, we each seemed to have carried a piece of the Emmanuel spirit in us before this experience and now I feel it is safe to say we know it better within ourselves because of all of the people we have met and worked with through Emmanuel. I feel like I have the love, courage, and creativity of all of the people we have had the honor to work with at Common Art, Suffolk County House of Correction, and Café Emmanuel and as I continue to take creative risks and make connections with others in the world I hope a part of me will stay with all of you. Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime.

— Liz Kelly