The impact of art

The art studio at Hillsides is a well used space alongside the recreation center that is showing its age, having endured paint splatters, ceramic drippings, and silkscreen wax droppings for quite some time now. The worn and tired studio is nevertheless a hub of wonderful activity.

Recently, I was walking by the art studio and was drawn in by the sound of singing. As I entered the room, residents were engaged with their respective projects while singing along with the pied piper of the group, Kim Ha, the director of the art program. Kim was strumming his guitar singing a well-known pop song while residents and staff sang along moving to the beat. It was a joyous experience, one that Kim describes as transformative, helping these children to put aside their cares and enjoy the moment, happy and carefree.

Kim explains that the goal of introducing music to the art sessions is to promote creativity and fun while giving the children an opportunity to become ever more comfortable with expressing themselves. For our residents, who often are at a loss to describe the traumas they have experienced let alone the feelings they have, art and music are indispensable ways to share what is going on in their heart and mind.

The work being done in the art studio is an important part of the therapeutic experience offered at Hillsides. In an effort to be supportive of this important activity, this year’s gala committee, led by our board member, Susan Pinsky, chose the theme, “A Celebration of Art.” This annual dinner and dance gala will feature art from local artists, among other items, and emphasize its important place in the array of services that we provide.  

Join us at this wonderful celebration and in doing so lend your support to sustain this indispensable activity for our residents. Your support will allow us to strengthen the capacity of the art program by giving the children we serve a wonderful way to express themselves and discover the “art” of living happily free from pain and trauma.

Tickets are $300 and can be purchased online. To learn more about the gala, contact CarrieEspinoza, Director of Development, at 323-543-2800, 121. Come together with neighbors and friend as we commit to creating lasting change for all those we serve.