Art is powerful. Art is moving. As Leo Tolstoy once said, "art should cause violence to be set aside and it is only art that can accomplish this".
Over 51 million people around the world have lost their homes to armed conflict and natural disasters. Addressing the deep psychological traumas created by these events is essential to creating sustainable change in peoples’ lives. Memories of violence and devastation lead to feelings of disassociation, which can be detrimental to one's mental health. This situation is worse among refugees for whom a normal life no longer exists ("Countering Terrorism").
The International Coalition for the Eradication of Hunger and Abuse (ICEHA), founded by Carolyn Ronis, focuses on empowering others to create a sustainable future of peace and prosperity through unique and individualized programs. This includes the Healing Through Art (HTA) program, designed to help victims of violent attacks overcome their emotional wounds and stop the perpetuation of violence from one generation to the next. HTA not only provides art, music, and theater supplies to refugee camps and settlements, but provides in-depth training to the volunteers and mentors who execute the program on the ground. They help foster a sense of community support that is vital to stopping further trauma for survivors living in settlements and camps ("Countering Terrorism").
One member, Tunde Odunlade, is a celebrated Nigerian artist and musician who uses art to reach across cultural differences, and raise awareness among his own people and the international community about the challenges facing Nigeria. His work has been featured in the Smithsonian Museum of African Art, the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the MacArthur Foundation Collection in Chicago, and the State House in Lagos, Nigeria.
Living Threads Co.'s business philosophy emphasizes three core elements: the individuals and communities we work with, the environment and resources we depend on, and the economic needs and livelihoods of our artisans. We are delighted and honored to host the unique and informative event, Healing Through Art, which celebrates our shared missions to create positive social change and improve well-being through art. Please join us in welcoming Tunde Odunlade and his art work, and learn more about ICEHA's efforts to fight terrorism with art. In addition to live drumming, there will be complimentary wine and light refreshments. Attendees will also have the opportunity to pre-order custom limited-edition bamboo silk scarves printed with artwork hand painted by both Tunde and children affected by violence in northern Nigeria. Profits from the sale of all scarves will directly benefit the projects of ICEHA as well as the artisans of Living Threads Co.
Join us Sunday, November 6th from 2-5 PM for This special event at our store in Reston Town Center!
Support healing through art and artisans and pre-order your scarf today!
"COUNTERING TERRORISM - HEALING THROUGH ART." ICEHA. International Coalition for the Eradication of Hunger and Abuse (iceha), n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2016.