Janine Gallent the LS representative for Community Service asked me to
share Art&Soul Dreams.Art&Soul Dreams is a non-profit dedicated
to helping 3000+ children in Michigan's foster care system in need of
adoption (forever families). Art&Soul Dreams brings visibility to
children in the community and increase social awareness to increase the
rate of adoption. This traveling photography exhibit features portraits
of children between the ages of 11-17 taken by award winning Michigan
photographers, all who donate their time and talent. Each canvas touches
your soul as it displays the child as an exceptional individual; as a
work of art.The first question I ask people when they come to see the
Art&Soul Dreams exhibit is, "What do you see?". The responses
vary but always invite answers that include, smiling faces, children,
love, future, and family. I then exclaim, "Exactly!". And then I
pause and explain the staggering statistics.These beautiful children are
a small portion of the 14,000 in the Michigan foster care system that
are in need adoption. By the time children reach the age of 11, the
likelihood of adoption falls dramatically. That is what separates these
children from yours and mine. Each of them is looking for a forever
family.Our goal is to help change these statistics in Michigan. We aim
to demystify the stigma of foster care children and educate the
population so that YOU can be part of the solution. We also feel once
you get to know a child you will be moved to action in some way. We
harness the power of art to transform the paradigm of how foster
children are SEEN. Each child is partnered with a recognized
photographer and featured for a year in a monthly traveling exhibit.
Art&Soul Dreams is a VOICE for the children. We are not a housing
facility or an agency. I am a mom who firmly believes that through the
power of art and love we can change the world. It is our hope that you
are moved by the stories, and that you see these children as OURS and
not as simply "those" children. We hope you connect to your basic
human instinct that each of us feels and needs love.You can help spread
the word and begin your journey by following us on Facebook and
Instagram @everychildisaworkofart #artsoulmi This exhibit is currently
on display at Gorman's Furniture in Southfield until April 2, then it
travels to the Lutheran Church of the Masters, in Troy April 8- April
15. On April 23 Art&Soul has been invited to help launch National
Foster Care Awareness month at MSU College of Law, working in
partnership with their FAME program. The month of May Art&Soul will
be showcased at the Brown Juanita C. Ford Art Gallery at Wayne County
Community College. Students looking for community service hours please
contact Mrs. Parks.
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