A PLACE OF HER OWN Uses Art Making and Meditation to Navigate Stress During the Pandemic

submitted by Cynthia Tom, A PLACE OF HER OWN

based in San Francisco, County of San Francisco

PLACE is a workshop series and culminating art exhibition for women of color. We use intentional art projects, group discussion and meditation to identify and challenge the long-term affects of colonization, extreme discrimination and patriarchy.

"I can finally see my family history, ancestral trauma and generations-old negative behaviors and patterns from a higher perspective. I understand that we are all victims of 500+ years of Philippine colonization. I get that this trauma is not my fault. I have a new shift, a positive sense of self-worth. I still have rough moments, but am gaining confidence by not only sharing my struggles, experiences and creative process with my cohorts but also with the public. I am finding I am more secure about public speaking and surprisingly look forward to expressing my feelings and personal truths." — Frances