Art of the Journey

BuildaBridge recently completed the first of two 10-week terms with the Burmese population in South Philadelphia. Art Therapist Natalie Hoffmann led a team of artists including Jessica LaBarca and Liz Green in using geography as a focus for the art activities this term. Children explored their the journeys they took from East Asia to Philadelphia through a number of art activities in addition to pieces solely focused on where they live now.

Cut-out maps of Pennsylvania served as the foundation for collages, helping children understand the state in which they live and where Philadelphia is located on the map.

Maps of East Asia served as the starting point for children to draw how they got to Philadelphia and what that journey looked like to them.

To conclude the first 10 weeks and celebrate the successes, BuildaBridge staff held a celebration on October 3rd with snacks, songs and a time of sharing. Burmese groups will re-start in April when it is lighter out longer in order for families to feel safe walking to and from the group location.
View more photos of the celebration.

Comments

BuildaBridge Participates in Jefferson University Symposium

Symposium attendees worked as a group to make a finished art piece On December 2, 2017, Assistant Director of Community Programs Stevie French was honored to represent BuildaBridge as a presenter in Thrive: Trauma-Informed Practice in Community-Engaged Art. The 5-hour event was hosted as part of Thomas Jefferson University/Philadelphia University’s Asano Humanities and Health series. BuildaBridge Assistant Director Stevie French presenting on trauma-informed community art-making The symposium aimed to bring together “arts and health professionals, students and community members in conversation at the intersection(s) of trauma-informed practice and community-engaged art.” The event was open to the public, and was attended by individuals from fields including medical, mental health, pharmaceuticals, education, and community non-profits. Stevie delivered a 5-minute presentation and a breakout workshop. Her presentation focused on the role of metaphor and non-ve...

Funding received by the PA Council on the Arts

This Refugee Project is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. On October 9th, BuildaBridge was presented with the award check from the PA Council on the Arts. Hosted by PECO and led by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, the event highlighted each of the grantees from the five-county Philadelphia region. Maud Lyon, President of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance with BuildaBridge Co-Founder Dr. Vivian Nix-Early and PRMHC Project Manager, Danielle Bossert

Year 4 Report

BuildaBridge is pleased to announce the publication of its Year 4 Report of involvement in the Philadelphia Refugee Mental Health Collaborative (PRMHC). BuildaBridge PRMHC Year 4 Report

BuildaBridge Community Programs

Search This Blog