This article interests me: http://bit.ly/bSGkb3 . Apparently persons who are diagnosed with depression have reduced ability to perceive colour contrasts. I wonder what we’d see if we looked at art works made when the artists were experiencing depression? Time to look at some of the beads I made in my darkest times.

Love this work, what a jolt of Vitamin C for the soul!

I spent the afternoon in jail. I had the opportunity to do a “jewelry with meaning” workshop at the local women’s prison with the Occupational Therapist and two OT students who are there. It was great to see what the women created and sad to see how hungry they are for purposeful, meaningful things to do. The project encourages participants to identify strengths and then make a bracelet that reminds you of those strengths on a daily basis.
Thanks J, L & L for letting me be a tiny part of the work you do.

I’m really excited about a meeting I had on Saturday! For some time, I’ve been hearing people talk about community-engaged art. As an Occupational Therapist interested in healthy communities as one determinant of health, and as someone who knows that art heals, I am really impressed with the initiatives coming from Arts on the Avenue. And now it looks like there may be a possibility to be part of this through doing a wearable art workshop in the spring. OT and community-engaged art – a good match!

The Aurora Borealis Fireflies, a local beadmaker group that I co-founded with my friends Pat and Janelle, celebrated Christmas this week with our Annual Xmas party, full of good food, great company, and this year – the changing of the guard. Pat is stepping down as Secretary, and I’m stepping down as President after 4 ( or is it 5? ) years. We’re delighted that some really competent and energetic people are stepping into these roles. To celebrate, I got darlink dollar store tiaras for the new Executive team – pictures were taken, so when I get a copy I’ll post it here. We are, at this point, the only Canadian chapter of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers, and Edmonton has become a real hotbed of bead-making talent. So I’m glad to see the group healthy and with plans for the next year.

Thanks Cindy, Tara, Kyra and Marianne (who is carrying on as Treasurer)! And thanks to Cindy (hostess supreme) and everyone at the party for a lovely evening.