This winter at common art we have had a lot of staff and volunteers away, whether for just a week or for some months. Missing so many people really showed me how much each person brings to common art and how strongly I feel their absence. I was able to really test my growth last week as our resident artist Allie took a much-deserved week off. Her absence gave me a clear picture of just how much she does for the program.

I was very nervous about her absence, but she did a great job in setting me up for success.  She prepped me beforehand on the tasks that I would be picking up, provided clear instructions, and organized art supplies. With this preparation and the support of the rest of the staff we had a successful week. Despite my nerves, I was confident in stepping up and excited to be taking on responsibilities. While I was happy to go back the next week to leading more-specific artmaking, it was empowering to know that I had the ability to hold the space in this way and to lead people to success. I was able to lead in setting up the art space and materials, to be someone people could come for problem solving, and even to take up helping in the kitchen. This was a great day to identify some of my strengths.

One of the most important steps in therapy is to help someone grow and change by helping them identify their strengths and resources. I was able to see that I could take on multiple tasks, identify people to assist me and guide them, and not become overwhelmed by these multiple tasks. I was able to identify the resources I have in this space such as Allie’s preparation, staff members’ skills, and our ability to mutually hold each other up. This week highlighted for me not only the importance of each person in the community but also my role and strengths.

        –Marielle Charpentier