Progress comes from Communication

Hello All,
A few items for this weeks reflection:

Thanks to other supporters who have made their presence known (it does really feel good to hear that people are following my inspirations and contributions!)  Jason Hamer, MA, educator extraordinaire who is masterfully keeping the east coast knowledgeable.  Inder Rikhiraj, MA DePaul University, esteemed social-butterfly and forward thinker here in Chicago, as well as Loren Johnson who consistently gives of herself to her friends while supporting various organizations including Amandala Charter School in Chicago.

I wanted to look back and fondly acknowledge once again my visitors to Easter Seals Chicago this past Friday, October 8th.  Lertsiri Bovornkitti, BFA, DCA,  from the Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand, who presented at the First Annual International Art in Response to Violence Conference, PTSD and Art Therapy with children who experienced a severe natural disaster in Uttaradit Province, Thailand.  Somjit Krzaisri, lead art therapist at The Rajanukul Institute in Bangkok who has created therapeutic arts programs for young people with special needs.

I also welcomed the Department Chair for the Counseling Psychology and Art Therapy Program from The Adler School of Psychology, Dr.Nancy Slater; as well as core faculty member Debra Paskind, MA, ATR-BC, LCPC.  Holly DeRosa, ATR, LPC from Easter Seals Tinley Park also was present as an experienced professional in the art therapy community who has worked with special needs populations for over 6 years.  We all had an amazing discussion about the growth of art therapy program in Thailand, as well as facility differences between the US and Bangkok. 

I am proud to say that I have started my sketchbook themed: You'd be home by Now ... through the Sketchbook Project 2011 out of Brooklyn NY.  I plan on expressing my familial experiences with cancer, as well as the therapeutic application of art marking.  My book along with thousands of others will tour major cities in the US beginning in Spring of 2011 - dates to come.  Anyone interested in participating can sign up at Sketchbook Project 2011 before October 31st.

I also am honored to donate three art works to the Alter Ego Exhibition Opening October 30th, 2010 at The Movement Studios, 2411 N. Clybourn Ave (2nd Floor), Chicago @ 7PM - Midnight.  The exhibit is open through December 30th 2010.  My work will fund scholarships for six Ugandan orphans, as well as send three volunteers to Uganda to volunteer their time. 

Thanks again for checking in ... more updates always to come as well as the first webisode filming from Starved Rock, Illinois.