ARTWELL  

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ARTWELL
Art for Wellness in the HIV/AIDS Community and Beyond 

“Whenever illness is associated with loss of soul, the arts emerge spontaneously as remedies, soul medicine.”  Shaun McNiff

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Our Mission

ARTWELL is a cutting-edge non-profit organization that supports wellness, enhances quality of life, and creates community among people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in the Philadelphia Metropolitan region, through the transforming medium of the creative and performing arts.

Our Programs

ARTWELL offers a wide variety of programs tailor-made for your group or community.  Choose from our "menu" or request and idea of your own.  We love the challenge of creating the perfect program for you!

 

  • Spiritual archeology: an exiting exploration of the unique and fascinating inner world of your own spirit! Spiritual archeology combines art, humor, personal reflection and group sharing t in a one-of-a kind experience that will change the way you see yourself and your world.
  • Storytelling; hear the stories from ancient cultures far and near in an interactive setting, and discover the beautiful web of human life and experience that is shared by us all.
  • Art-making: art heals! Join us as we play with collage, clay, paint, and pastels. Every medium excites us and invites us to explore, express, and enhance our connection with spirit, self, and others.
  • Theater: host and participate in the performance of an original play by ARTWELL’s own play-write, Kenneth J.White. Awakening Journeys will bring you to a new place of exploration concerning living with HIV/AIDS and the spirit that connects us all.
  • Mask-making and puppet play: invite your “inner child” to come out and play! Through building and playing with simple masks and puppets, we call forth those things deep inside us that are longing to see the light of day. Let laughter and a sense of fun be your guide into the powerful realm of the spirit.
  • Rhythm, movement, and dance: let’s shake it up! Everyone joins in when we rattle, drum, chant and dance our spirit story. Let the spirit move you and have some fun while exploring the ways that we can heal ourselves through sound and movement.
  • Mandala making: an ancient tool for exploration and meditation, mandalas help us to explore and express the inner workings of the spirit. A powerful tool for problem-solving, self-awareness, and personal wellness.
  • The spirit tree: roots, trunk, branches and fruit…our lives are like a tree, beautiful, unique, and growing. We invite you to explore, through art and poetry, the extraordinary spirit tree that resides within you
  • Life story quilts: create a quilt that reflects the joys, relationships, challenges and achievements of your life! No sewing skills are required to participate in this uniquely affirming and satisfying experience.
  • Every body is beautiful: let’s put an end to body hatred now! Explore through collage and small-group sharing how to love the body you have right now, so you can care for it and enjoy it today and well into the future.

Our Team

Lois Wilson, BS, MTS, MDIV, DMIN. - Lois brings vibrant, personal spirituality and passionate, unbridled creativity to everything she does. As an artist, storyteller, and musician, Lois believes that our innate creativity enables us to experience our authentic self, as well as touch the hearts of others, and even the heart of the sacred.

Kenneth J. White, OMM. - Kenny combines disarming humor and down-to-earth spirituality in a way that captivates the imaginations of both children and adults. A graduate of Circle of Miracles School of Ministry, Kenny’s work as Reiki Master, inspirational speaker, play write, artist, and poet has deeply touched and inspired hundreds of people since he began serving the community in 1999.

R. Todd La Flame - Todd’s contagious laughter and gentle spirit invites people to open up and share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear. His own life story has brought hope and strength to countless individuals both within and outside of the HIV/AIDS community. He comes from a conservative Christian background, but is now on a journey of new artistic and spiritual discovery.

Glenn S. Lehman, Jr. - Glenn is a natural activist! His honesty and passion are contagious, challenging people to go directly to the heart of the matter. His characteristic wit and wisdom touch people’s lives in a deep and lasting way. Glenn has ten years experience as a professional craft’s manager, and is a Counted Cross-Stitch Mentor.

Beth Reilly LPN - Beth is a passionate artist and actress with several local theater companies. Besides being heavily involved in all aspects of the arts, she is also a nurse, a natural activist and a big believer in people making a difference. She believes that art in its purest form brings us closer as a human family.  Everyone is an artist, no matter what you've been told!

You! - Yes, you are an integral part of ARTWELL!  In fact, we wouldn’t exist without you!  Your unique creativity, spirituality, and self-expression are what make Artwell happen…so we invite you to come out and play!

Ongoing Programs and Events


Retreats and Workshops for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS
 
Retreats and Workshops for Caregivers
 
Performances of "Awakening Journeys: The Collective Voice of the Red Ribbon"
 
Installation of the Art Exhibit "Through the Window: Insight into the Spirituality of AIDS"
 
For dates and details, contact Lois Wilson at 267-251-2491 or email at allaboutmercy@gmail.com