[MORE PHOTOS!] from the 2nd Annual Matchbox Art Auction Gala

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Partners for Social Justice

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Photos taken by Monica Kovach…thank you, Monica!

[PHOTOS] from the 2nd Annual Matchbox Art Auction Gala

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Partners for Social Justice

Please enjoy these photos from the 2013 Small Resources = Big Possibilities Event! We made nearly $8,000 with your support!

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Photos by Jessica Sabo…stay tuned for more!

Student Blog Entry: The Transformational Power of Art

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Partners for Social Justice

“The Transformational Power of Art”

By Lisa Lamoreaux

The 2nd Annual Matchbox Art Auction Gala is just around the corner, and our team is busy preparing for the event. I get more and more excited with each matchbox coming in. I am amazed and inspired by the creativity of the artists. Inspecting them closely, I see the tiny masterpieces as a snapshot into the artist’s personal universe. Each box becomes its own world, with its own story that is unique to the artist’s hand that created it. All the pieces are so different, and yet, all connected through their humble beginnings as a matchbox. A matchbox turned into something more – a beautiful piece of art that will be auctioned off at this year’s gala.

When thinking of the incredible matchbox transformations, I am reminded of something I read in preparation for our upcoming trip to Cambodia. Herbert (2012) talks about finding in the galleries and shops of Cambodia, works of art and jewelry crafted from the metal of old, deactivated landmines. Herbert (2012) describes these pieces of jewelry and art as being proof of the possibilities to transform traumatic experiences through art. When reading this, I was struck by the Cambodian people’s resiliency. They are literally taking pieces of their traumatic, war torn history and turning it into something beautiful. They are using art to rewrite the stories and reclaim their culture. By doing this, the people of Cambodia are integrating their experiences and healing from societal trauma.

“Hanging Love Charm” by Merryl Rothaus

Many of the people we will be working with in Cambodia have experienced trauma on both a historical and a personal level. We are going there to offer art therapy as a tool to heal these traumas. It is also important to remember that the Cambodian people are the experts of their experiences, and that we are going there to learn from them.

In 2011 a group of people were inspired to expand Naropa Community Art Studio (NCAS) to include international work (NCAS-I). The dream started with $50 dollars that bought 500 matchboxes. Those matchboxes were transformed into masterpieces, and auctioned off to raise funds at our first Matchbox Art Auction Gala. The gala was such a success that we decided to do it again. The 2013 service-learning trip to Cambodia is made possible through the support of our community coming together and donating time and money. Please join us for the 2nd Annual Matchbox Art Auction Gala, April 12, 2013, from 7 to 10pm for a fun-filled night of art and entertainment.

Herbert, C. (2012). Integration of arts therapy and traditional Cambodian arts and rituals in recovering from political-societal trauma In D. Kalmanowitz, J. Potash & S. Chan (Eds.), Art therapy in Asia: To bone or wrapped in silk (pp. 209-220). Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

In Sum: Small Resources=Big Possibilities Art Auction Video

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Partners for Social Justice

Our good friend Brian volunteered his talents at the Small Resources=Big Possibilities Art Auction Gala and created a video for us of the event. We are so grateful to have this to document the evening and offer another glimpse into the incredible work the NCAS-I team has been doing. The event raised $9,500- most of which will go towards next year’s Cambodia trip.

Click the link below to check out the video, and stay tuned for more news about our trip- it’s approaching fast (we leave May 23) and we are in the middle of planning trainings and brainstorming art therapy interventions that may be useful for Transitions. We’ll share some previews on the blog over the next few weeks.

Art Auction Video on Vimeo!

Photographs from the Small Resources=Big Possibilities Gala!

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Partners for Social Justice

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photographs by Erin Shannon, Jessica Sabo, and Meg Hamilton

Missed the Small Resources=Big Possibilities Gala? You can still donate!

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Partners for Social Justice

We’re finalizing the numbers from the Small Resources=Big Possibilities Gala and we’ll let you know the results as soon as we know (we’re bursting with excitement, by the way).

If you missed the event and would like to support the NCAS-I project you can still donate! Go to www.crowdrise.com/ncas-i to make a donation today.

Thank you for all of your support and interest!

Steph Andres promoting the event with chalk art on Pearl Street

Whew! What a Night!

Posted on March 18, 2012 by Partners for Social Justice

Last night was a huge success for NCAS-I! The Small Resources=Big Possibilities Art Auction Gala was phenomenal. We are so honored and excited to have the support of so many incredible individuals. Thank you!

We’ll tell you more about it soon- after we get some rest! For now, enjoy the preview of photos from the night!

Steph Andres promoting the event with chalk art on Pearl Street

Checking out the matchboxes...

We had over 100 pieces!

A completed Dream Flag that will be taken to Cambodia with the NCAS-I team in May

The Dream Flag station

so fun!

The first year art therapy student volunteers rocked registration!

well... enough said.

NCAS-I team member Katie Markley displaying live auction pieces

NCAS-I team member Meg Hamilton displaying live auction pieces

Making a bid in the live auction

NCAS-I faculty mentor Sue Wallingford and her daughter Emma

Sue Wallingford and National Director for Education and Advocacy for Transitions Pam Harvey

Today’s the Day- Final Matchbox Preview and We’ll See You Tonight!

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Partners for Social Justice

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The Small Resources=Big Possibilities Art Auction Gala is finally here! Here is the final preview of matchbox art that will be auctioned at the event tonight. We still have more pieces coming in today so be ready for some pretty incredible surprises.

Ticket sales will be available online until 6:30 PM tonight. After this tickets can only be purchased at the door. If you don’t want to wait in line get your tickets today! www.brownpapertickets.com/event/227823

We’ll see you tonight!