Dear Readers, My original plan for this closing note on our inaugural ArtReach Middle East Institute programs was to summarize the highlights, tell you what lies ahead, and ask you for contributions! However, my plan became redundant after reading Christopher’s “ArtNotes from the Field” and particularly his last blog dated 7/6/2010. Christopher’s thoughts have perfectly captured
Continue Reading...Leave a CommentSitting on the patio of the Bonita Inn following check out, I am trying to process what just happened. Calls to prayer are resonating throughout every neighborhood in Amman right now by way of the loudspeakers positioned on the mosque minarets. Cool Amman nights have been replaced by a moderate heat which, although humidity-free, does not keep those sweat droplets from gathering at inconvenient
Continue Reading...View Comments (3)I would be remiss if I did not mention the efforts of our support here in Amman helping to accomodate for our needs, whatever those may have been. We found many of these groups on the ground when we arrived and they were a great help in our efforts. Lodging: Bonita Inn Hotel/Restaurant/Tapas Bar - Jabal Amman, 3rd Circle, Tel. +962 6 461 5061, www.bonitaamman.com Catering: Salad House
Continue Reading...Leave a Comment
I had writer's block! And I mean with a capital "W" and a capital "B". Writer's Block. Lack of inspiration? Surely not! Lack of confidence in writing? Perhaps, but not probable! I just felt there was something missing. I needed to find that last major bolus of narrative here before we begin to wrap up Project Jordan 2010 for you. Something needed to be seen and sitting in my hotel room I felt
Continue Reading...View Comments (2)Christi continues about Days 3 and 4 and the workshop process: Day 3 We move to Creative Problem Solving within Communities. The morning conversation includes how the brain accesses imagination and creativity, and how trauma impacts this access. We discuss how sleep is affected by trauma, the importance and meaning of dreams, the use of dreams in artwork, and therapeutic interventions in
Continue Reading...Leave a CommentI have received several e-mails asking about what the workshop process is and what the driving themes are in the workshop. In response, I asked Christi to give me an overview for how the themes work in the workshop, to give you (the Reader) a better idea for what we see and are working towards in the workshops. Christi writes: The theme of our Middle East Initiative, Four-Day Training Program is
Continue Reading...Leave a Comment
Day 2 of the second series of ArtReach workshops. Travel to meet former ArtReach workshop participant. Conflict resolution. Art and representation. Some days, the photos just speak better.
Continue Reading...View Comments (1)
Hometown: Manhattan, New York Profession: Licensed Art Therapist / ArtReach Faculty in US, Jordan Time With ArtReach: 4 years Wrap intelligence, education, fire, and wit into a bundle and you have Ashley. Ashley is your best friend, your ego, your support, your confidant, your example, your story. She acts like someone more likely to be seen hitting an all night dance club than
Continue Reading...View Comments (2)
The largest issue for myself and, I am sure, others from both the West and Near East has been the ability to communicate. It was a given that there are literal language issues (e.g., knowledge and comprehension of Arabic/English), but where the communication issue is really a problem often lies in the interpretation. Here in Jordan, English is widely taught. Arguably, English has become the
Continue Reading...Leave a Comment
Back from Beirut tonight and at our home-away-from-home, the Bonita Inn Hotel. Trying to rush to get batteries of cameras, laptop, etc. Also uploading all photos and video to peripheral hard drive, as well as collating names and notes from trip this weekend. Overall, lots of little organizational things to do getting ready for tomorrow - Day 1 of the second series of workshops. Susan, Christi,
Continue Reading...Leave a Comment
