Posted on March 20,2025

The healing journey through art is real! Just last year, I was planning to move to Puerto Rico because the cold in Rochester, NY, was starting to take its toll on our old bones. After planning and budgeting to leave, blessings started happening. I received a $1,000 art grant, which meant I had to stay and complete the Artwork For the Soul classes. Because of the grant, I received more opportunities to teach healing through art, which has increased my revenue. Shortly after that, I received a scholarship for CASAC (drug and alcohol state certification); now I really had to stay and complete it. The doors just started opening everywhere, and it was a clear sign to stay in Rochester, NY, another year. I must say, the art community has been awesome to me and continues to thrive. What is also thriving is the concept of "healing through art"! I want to thank everyone who came out to my classes and my shows, and may the healing continue!​

What does "thinking outside the box" mean to you? This was the topic for one of my classes, and it was rewarding to see what everyone created. I brought in small wooden boxes for everyone to create their version of thinking outside the box, and the discussion during the creation was awesome! You see, when we are faced with the same situations that come up time and time again, sometimes we need to tackle those situations another way. We can change our process of thinking and think outside the box to find better solutions. Sometimes you can't get away from the thoughts that come to us repeatedly, so I say put it down on canvas and create something from it. As you sit creating, you never know—you just might find the solution from drawing and creating that would surprise you.