New Ideas Gained at ASGPP Conference

I just returned from the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama conference in St. Louis. I learned more about sociodrama, drama therapy, and playback theater--all tools that I'm considering as we grow the project forward. This was just a first taste--there is much more to learn--more training!--before considering incorporating any of these.

I reached out to many new people, too--the community continues to grow. 

Are you engaged? If not, why not? It only takes one person to make a change. And that's no April Fool's. The way to peace is to be the peace you wish to see and art can light your path.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, 

committed citizens can change the world."--Margaret Mead

In Gratitude

After some time away and much needed rest, I'm back in Chicago and counting my blessings. There are so many reasons I'm grateful. Working with Veterans and helping them communicate their wisdom to others is THE MOST REWARDING work I have ever done. It's the best way to create art:

--contributing something positive to the world, 

--helping others, and 

--being artistically satisfied.

It doesn't get any better than this.

I'm very grateful, too, for the wonderful work by Lynette of Chicago Public Radio. She spent hours recording our workshops, interviewing participants, and creating a wonderful feature for 848 and All Things Considered and it continues to bring us additional support in a variety of ways. Lynette continues to offer assistance to the project. People don't come any better than this! Thank you Lynette! (Thanks, too, to Karin McKie who helped me build this connection many months ago.)

More veterans are asking to be a part of the project.

More artists are reaching out and asking to be part of the project.

Artists already connected to the project continue to offer their assistance in new ways as we grow the Vet Art Project forward.

And just today I received a wonderful unsolicited vote of support for the work we do from the good people of the Orgie Theatre Committee who write:

"Best of luck with the wonderful work you do."

I feel very fortunate to live in this time and in this great land because it provides me with opportunities to assist others and make a difference.

And lastly, and ABSOLUTELY FIRST on my gratitude list, is my husband Ted who is supportive in so many ways. Without him, none of this would be possible.

Ripple Effects of the Vet Art Project Incubator at the Chicago Cultural Center

Here are some interesting ripples in the Chicago Community caused by the Vet Art Project:

2 people were so inspired by the program they are now going to volunteer at their local VA

DCA Theater is now permanently offering a discount ticket price to all veterans

Many veterans are calling to participate in the next project

Many people are asking where they can see this performance because they're sorry they missed it. (Sorry, this was a single night performance unless . . . anyone interested in remounting this?)

We now have a mailing list.

Do you know of a ripple effect? Please add it to the comments!

Here are some kind words of support we've received to date:

"It was an honor to work with professionals who really, truly and genuinely care about veterans and their lives. It's a great start to reaching out to other veterans and people." --Bill Crist, Vietnam Veteran

"Thank you so very much for letting us participate in this incredible program. You did a hell of a job many can be very proud of!" -- Bob Curry, Vietnam Veteran, Founder dryhootch.org

"They were all moving, riveting, resounding, stirring, saddening, maddening. You have given us a great gift with your vision." --Ilona Meagher, author of Moving a Nation to Care, ptsdcombat.blogspot.com

"All of my students were moved, amazed, and surprised by their trip to the Vet Arts Project performance." --Carolyn Hoerdemann, DePaul instructor, actress, artist participant in the Vet Art Project

 

"I was so deeply moved by Monday night. There were so many moments that touched me so deeply. This work is so important. Thank you!! I have always  believed Theater, and Art in any form, has the power to transform the world." --Rohina, solo artist

"I just wish there was another performance because I've been telling everyone about it, and I think there are so many people who need to see it. " --Dawn Leader-Peloso, writer, DePaul graduate student

"What an amazing accomplishment and turn out. . . . I was so inspired that I called Jesse Brown VA Hospital and asked about volunteering." --Jennifer Miller, writer, yoga instructor in training

"You did such a beautiful job on the Vet Art Project and performance. It was so moving to see the culmination of all your work on this journey. Sending you, the project's artists, and most importantly the veterans, a sincere thank you for this amazing collaboration and sharing these vital, haunting, spirited stories with us." --Cynthia Frahm, Development Director, Chicago Dramatists

"A fabulous and inspirational evening. It seems that what can be a somewhat touchy and cautious topic was opened up with dignity and grace. . . . I was deeply moved." --Gail Adduci, Dance/Movement Therapist who has worked with Veterans & whose brother is an OIF Veteran

"That was an AWESOME event last night. . . . A reminder that as individuals we can all make a difference. Well done!" --Diane J. Rakocy, writer, visual artist, and Vet Art Project artist participant

"It was an amazing experience to engage in community building with other artists who work in other media with a much, much larger purpose in mind." Suellen Semekoski, adjunct faculty member, School of the Art Institute and Vet Art Project artist participant

"WOW that was so moving on Monday night. . . . Thank you for all the love you have shared!" --Kathleen Nesbitt, writer, writing coach, and Vet Art Project artist participant

Vet Art Project Incubator at Chicago Cultural Center--BY THE NUMBERS

As we take time to assess the amazing community we gathered in the Studio Theater for programs and the Preston Bradley Hall performance of New Art About War last Monday, I want to share some figures with you:

30       Number of Veteran Participants

>60    Number of Artist Participants

>240   Number of People Who Attended Community Building Workshops & Creative Arts Programming as part of the Vet Art Project (in the first two weeks & final day of programming)

230    Number of People Who Attended the New Art About War Performance on 02.23.09

We also are receiving many grateful e-mails from audience members. I'll post these soon.

Impressions After Witnessing the New Art About War Performance by the Vet Art Project

Two friends & I were impressed by the art work, short plays and essays performed for the Vet Arts Project at the Chicago Cultural Center last Tuesday.

It was so good to see Lisa Rosenthal, the creator/leader, at the end of the program, call to the stage all the people involved in
the production. What a work of art to coordinate this varied group.

I have been thinking about the different pieces such as the female veteran of the Iraq conflict and the father struggling to understand both the loss of his older brother in the Vietnam war and his son preparing to be a Navy Seal.

Only Lisa Rosenthal could lead artists to explore this troubling, difficult part of our existence as North American U. S. citizens.

I was glad to see Ted Hogarth, a skilled saxophonist perform with the veteran inspired musical group toward the end of the program.

I am grateful to have experienced the Vet Arts Project and share it with others.

Charlotte

A Letter to the Editor about the Vet Art Project Performance on Monday Night

Here's a letter to the editor that one audience member wrote and sent to the Chicago papers. Let's hope his voice is picked up in news print. He writes . . .

On Monday evening, February 23rd, I was one of over 200 people who attended the Vet Art Project performance as part of the Incubator Series at the Chicago Cultural Center. As the brainchild of Lisa Rosenthal, the Vet Art Project creates opportunities for veterans to work in collaboration with artists from all disciplines to create new art about war for public performance and viewing. The Vet Art Project's mission states: "The Vet Art Project is based on the belief that we must talk of war to think of peace, and an understanding that it is our veterans who will lead the way." The evening, entitled "New Art About War," included 19 staged performances including poetry, short plays, dance, and music. There was also a gallery full of haunting visual art and a film that was being screened as the audience filtered in.

As I took in the various works I was struck by the clarity with which these veterans expressed themselves, unapologetically sharing their fear, shame, guilt, and grief. They spoke of their experiences in war, the difficulties of returning home and the pride they feel for their country and its citizens. It was amazing to see the catharsis these veterans were able to achieve when given the proper outlet, and I can only imagine what kind of relief was provided to them via this opportunity. I wonder what the effect would be if warriors in more oppressed parts of the world were given an audience and a chance to strike out with their voices rather than their weapons.  --Dave Strong