Something I have noticed the last couple weeks of my internship with Emmanuel is all the stories that people tell. All three of the populations with whom I am working, despite the wide age range and different backgrounds, have many stories to tell. I have been surprised by how willing many of the program participants are to tell their stories. In common art, I have found several people making art about events that have happened in their past, and being very willing to share despite the sometimes intense nature of these stories. It felt meaningful to me that they were given this artistic outlet to tell their stories. I want to explore this further, and see if there are projects I can come up with that could enhance their experience of telling their stories through art.

At Cafe Emmanuel (LGBT elders), I have already heard many stories as well. The participants have all had long lives with many experiences, and a desire to talk about those experiences. I have also heard from several of the folks there that they are interested in working with young people in the LGBT community, and using their knowledge to help them with struggles they may be having. I am looking forward to seeing how art helps people at Cafe Emmanuel bring their stories out further.

In the Art & Spirituality Program in prison, the stories are not shared as easily. The participants do not have some of the freedoms that the other populations have. I hope that, over time, the women can find some ways to tell their stories, whether it is through art or simply feeling comfortable sharing their words with someone they feel they can trust.

All three populations consist of folks who have had some unfortunate and painful experiences, in one way or another. They also have had some great experiences in their lives, and it is great to hear about all kinds of stories, the good and the bad. In the months to come, I am sure I will continue to hear more and more stories, and even see them come forward in people’s art.

–Kate Solow