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Wisdom through Loss

Loss comes in many forms, from death to divorce.  Bitterness or wisdom can be garnered from each experience.  It’s all a matter of choice. 

The Gathering of Wisdom was an event created to bring together stories of loss. 

The night itself was peaceful and filled with support.  Experiences included of loss or a child, relationships, depression, hope, all of it heart ripping grief. 

The remarkable thing was that each person did not leave their grief behind. 

Instead they gathered what they learned and held it in their heart and mind.  It was beautiful to see each person creating a life rich and beautiful – because of what they had learned. 

 

Stage 5 – Acceptance

Below is an exert from my book The Course of Wisdom, which contains lovely stories of victory.  It was a privilege to gather these stories and blend them with practical steps to work through past grief, into wide open world of wisdom. 

I fully expect to meet you someday, at the mountain of your dreams. Where you can show me all the paths you have taken.  Whether they are covered with blood, tears, or flowers.

–  C. Fausett

The event occurred at the City View Memoriam, a stunningly beautiful event center found on the benches of Salt Lake.  

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Hope, Help, and Healing – The second 12 steps Event!

August 14th 2019 from 7-9 pm, the Cottonwood Heights Arts council and I are collaborating for a night of Hope, Help, and Healing.  The exhibit itself will last for the full month of August. 

On opening night there will be resources for individuals in recovery as well as friends and family.  Bring your questions and find the next step in your healing. 

Why connect addiction to the arts? 

Because artists continue to create even amidst difficult and destructive periods of life.    

Artists that are participating and artists that desire to contribute please fill out the form below and read all pertinent details about drop off, pick up, and sales.  Thank you!  I am so excited to see all the amazing work that honors recovery, creation, and healing.  

 

Artists

You will receive full proceeds should your work sale. 

1. All funds will be sent directly to you through your Venmo or Paypal.

2. On opening night please down load the Square app on your phone so that you may process credit cards as well. 

3.  If you want to bring a few prints, etc to sale on Opening Night this is a good idea.  If you decide to do this let me know so that we can prepare table space.  Also you will need to arrive early to set up. 

4.  All original work will remain up for the duration of the exhibit.  Then the artist is responsible for delivery of sold artwork.  🙂 

5. If you cannot drop off your work at the Cottonwood Heights City building feel free to make arrangements with me  and I will transport your work. (July 31st)

6. Please contact me with any questions.  cjfshine@yahoo.com.

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The Resurrection Exhibit Opening Night!

May 5th, 2018 was a beautiful night.  The Cottonwood Heights City Building was perfect for the exhibit!  The most amazing thing about the whole event was how many people gave of their time and talents.  As I write this weeks later, I am still overcome with the generosity and kindness.  

Right off people came to set up sound systems, create beautiful food, and be ready to converse with people who wanted to know how to achieve recovery. 

Everyone worked together to present the best of their story, their journey, and the art that has come from their experience.   I was humbled by each of them. 

The art that was submitted had an honesty that I have rarely seen in gallery or museum.   Especially because not only did each artist need to present their story, but they had to find with in themselves the courage to speak about what they had been through.  What impressed me most was the abundance of positive messages from individuals that have been through hell and back.  I have nothing but respect for each artist and participant. 

None of this would have been possible with out the wonderful organizations and recovery centers that worked with me.  I would like to thank:  First Step House, Steps Recovery Center, Reach 10, Renew Wellness, Vanguard Revolution, Ascend Recovery, Kandy Graves, Empowered by Us, Wylene Benson, Addict to Artist, and Addict to Athlete.   They are doing phenomenal work.  

Then around 7:30 the live music began.  Each musician communicated, in a way that transcended words, their journey. 

Gabe Beckstead!  Logan Larkin!  Mclean Taylor!  Jessica Sellers!  Tim Halls!  Austin Madsen!  and Issac!  You all rock!  Literally <3  

That’s when the news crews showed up!  Channel 4 and 2 sent over teams.   I thoroughly enjoyed doing the interview and seeing the validation that these news spots brought for people who had been through so much already.  Thank you 2 and 4 for your amazing coverage.  

Important hugs!  Massively heart felt support!   Thank  you to all that came, you are truly serving (Step 12) because you were kind, you showed up, and you put your caring into action.  

You are welcome to contact me about participating in next year’s show for friends and family of individuals with addiction experience.  

Prints etc can be found by pressing the corresponding button.  

PS.  If you share this link and tag me I’ll discount your entire order by 30%.  

The Resurrection Exhibit goes to the end of May.  Hope to see you there at the Cottonwood Heights City Building. 

For monthly updates about the next exhibit, sales, or other events please subscribe using the button to the side <3 

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Addict II Artist is now collaborating with The Resurrection Exhibit!

Last Thursday I was able to meet with the women in charge of Addict II Artist!  We both have the same purpose, to promote healing through art.  If you feel like you want to step into art as the next step of your addiction recovery Addict II Artist would be a great place to start.  They will be participating in the Resurrection Exhibit.  Come to the exhibit opening night May 5th 7-9pm and find out more about this wonderful program.    

For more details about Addict II Artist push the button to the side.  

Click the button for more information about how to serve or submit art for the Resurrection Exhibit.  

As always we love it when you share the love.   Feel free to post about us on your social media sites! 

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The Resurrection Exhibit Opening Night!

May 5th, 2018 is the opening night of the Resurrection Exhibit!  It is being hosted by The Cottonwood Heights Arts Council at the new City Building, 2277 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT. 

The exhibit will began on May 1st and run till the 31st.     

For the latest news and updates about the show click on the link and become part of our email list. 

 

The Resurrection Exhibit consists of art that is about and in support of addiction recovery.  Recovering addicts are welcome to submit artwork.  Organizations and Programs for addiction recovery are welcome to contact me and see how we can help each other. 

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The Resurrection Exhibit

After seeing my son’s recovery after years of addiction, I knew I had to share the hope.  So many people have talked with me about their family and friends.  They just want to see happiness, and self worth in their loved one’s eyes again.   

Let Go and Let God” was the inspiration piece that started it all.  I knew that others needed to express their victories, and that my series combined with art work from those in recovery would be extremely powerful.  Not only for individuals in a program, but also for friends and family who have felt so helpless.

This exhibit is being hosted by the wonderful Cottonwood Heights Arts Council.  It will be held at the  City Building.  The exhibit will run May 1-31st.   The opening night will be held on May 5th 7:00-9:00 pm. 

(map and directions at end of post)

There is more to life than living in fear and numbness.  
 
Resurrection is possible.
 
Recovery from addiction is similar to dying and coming back a whole new person.  Let’s communicate this in the most authentic and hope filled way possible.
 
The purpose of this exhibit:
 
1. To encourage communication and connection.  (The opposite of addiction is connection.)
 
2. To empower individuals in their recovery program.
 
3. To educate about addiction recovery and programs that are available
 
How it comes together! 
 
1. Ten addiction recovery organizations will partner with the exhibit.  
 
2. Their advanced program participants and graduates will have the opportunity to participate. 
 
3. All recovery programs will gain heightened public awareness of their services and successful clients.  
 
* In addition the participants that exhibit and sell their art will receive a check for the full amount of their asking price.  They are encouraged to apply the funds toward their recovery program.
 
The Resurrection exhibit  benefits all involved.
 
 

Participants need to  . . . 

1) submit their artwork through the link below

(Artwork will need to be delivered to The City Building on May 1st.)

2) make sure their artwork fits the theme of the show
3) have family friendly images, as the venue is public
4) have artwork ready to hang or display
5) 2D or 3D
6) keep the art under 4′ (height, width, depth)  
7) images submitted in JPG, PNG, a website, or URL

Participants may also choose to submit artwork anonymously.  Profits will be processed through Paypal or Venmo.  The public will not have access to your name – just your work. 

               Submissions accepted:     Jan 15 – April 22nd at midnight. 

Organizations that wish to participate need . . . 

1) a recovery program – or a vested interest

2) graduates or clients that are committed to working their program – or personal experience – a reason for them wanting to be a part of the show

3) to select/support participants that have an interest in communicating through art.  An art background is not  a requirement.  Other businesses are welcomed to participate as well. 

The Resurrection Exhibit is an opportunity to serve in whatever way feels best for you or your organization. 

Service examples include

– Posting about this exhibit on social media.

– Helping a recovering teen artist to prepare art for the exhibit.

– Advertising The Resurrection Exhibit.

– Become an exhibit sponsor, donating toward the exhibit for teens who would be amazed to realize that they are of incalculable value. 

 

The greatest advocates of recovery have been through their own refiner’s fire, and want to help others who are currently feeling lost, alone, or hopeless.  They don’t judge, they don’t shame.  But they don’t enable either.  These are the warriors and healers that are needed for our youth.   

I invite you to  click on the link and explore how to give back, or pay it forward.

                                                        Feel free to share the love!