A Table for Everyone

Many of us - at least, in America - come from a long line of immigrants, but the current national climate promotes a homogenized culture that ignores the historic idea that we are a country formed from immigrant cultural traditions. A Table For Everyone is an art project that helps new community members (refugees and immigrants) integrate and address mental health needs through a psychosocial art approach. It targets vulnerable community members who may fear the stigma of a mental health diagnosis and who do not have the extensive financial resources for private therapy. These groups have ranged from one time events to multi month sessions. This is a bridge activity, providing community and connections. The participants have created table cloths, plates, and have utilized whatever materials present at dinners, events and meetings. The interaction is the art. The rest is just documenting a sense of human connectedness. Dishes, textile art, and handmade objects document interconnectedness, the process of change, and reflect on the transient nature of connection that creates a sense of home and place.

New members will receive 6 weeks of one-on-one teaching sessions with me at my fully equipped studio. Together, we will collaborate on an piece in which they will get to keep. A large part of my practice includes textile arts. I specialize in block printing and surface design, embroidery, and natural dye techniques.