Some 25 people had their lives transformed by an art and wellness workshop titled, “From Broken to Beautiful II”, which was held at the picturesque Waves Restaurant and Bar in Black Rock, Tobago, on Saturday 21 May 2022.
The event was the result of Chosen Hands Art and Wellness NGO teaming up with Women of Substance and Trinitica International, to bring its healing through art programme to Tobago.
The workshop hosted survivors of domestic violence, health care professionals, social workers, officials from youth and women groups and migrants from the Latin American community based in Tobago.
A release from Chosen Hands explains this recent initiative—the brainchild of Anika Plowden-Corentin, the NGO’s creative director—marks the third instalment in the series of gender positive initiatives by Chosen Hands to support, empower and inspire vulnerable groups.
Anika Plowden Corentin, Chosen Hands creative director, holds one of the butterfly paintings created during the art and wellness workshop, From Broken to Beautiful II, held on Saturday 21 May 2022. (Image courtesy Chosen Hands Art and Wellness NGO)
“The Waves Restaurant and Bar located at Black Rock, Tobago, provided the perfect scenic backdrop for participants to receive the topics of the workshop. The soothing sounds of the waves provided for restoration and rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul,” stated the Chosen Hands release.
Gold sponsors of the event were COLFIRE, Waves Bar and Restaurant, and Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort.
Operations Manager of the Waves Restaurant and Bar, Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort, and Grafton Beach Resort, Jason Hadley, indicated:
“The hotel chain was pleased to support such a timely and note-worthy cause to assist vulnerable groups in the community.”
A painting of a butterfly alighting on zinnia, created by one of the participants in the art and wellness workshop, From Broken to Beautiful II, held on Saturday 21 May 2022. (Image courtesy Chosen Hands Art and Wellness NGO)
The healing session was guided by Chosen Hands Director, Arveon Prout. It began with Mindful Mediation by Fibromyalgia Activist and Artist, Terri Osborne.
Author, Designer and Nature Enthusiast, Serina Hearn—who is a member of Friends of Botanic Gardens T&T, and curator of the Butterfly Garden—gave an inspiring feature address to those in attendance. Hearn used the analogy of the butterfly as a symbol of hope and the actualization of the human potential to transform, despite life’s challenges.
Serina Hearn, curator of the Butterfly Garden, is surrounded by several pieces of art created during the art and wellness workshop, From Broken to Beautiful II, held on Saturday 21 May 2022. (Image courtesy Chosen Hands Art and Wellness NGO)
Later, a “Paint & Inspire” session was led by Anika Plowden-Corentin, creative director of Chosen Hands, who encouraged the ladies to tap into their inner-selves to unlock their creative expression.
“As children we use art and creativity to make sense of our world. Somewhere along the road of life, we lose that connection. These sessions allow us to reconnect with our core, our authentic selves,” Plowden-Corentin reflected.
The workshop closed with an expression of gratitude from Onika Mars, the founder of the Women of Substance NGO. She inspired the participants to open their minds to new ways of navigating turbulent seasons in their lives.
“Overall, the opportunity provided a safe space where the women in attendance creatively expressed their concerns on sensitive topics, as well as relaxed in the therapeutic ambiance of the venue, while reclaiming pockets of peace and well-being,” Chosen Hands said.
A participant readies her brush to continue her painting featuring a butterfly, during the art and wellness workshop, From Broken to Beautiful II, held on Saturday 21 May 2022. (Image courtesy Chosen Hands Art and Wellness NGO)
Aleah Guitan of Trinitica International was instrumental in incorporating participants from the Latin American community in the workshop. Trinitica International specialises in Academic and Cultural Immersion Programs, and also facilitates the teaching of Spanish and English as a foreign language. Its programs are created for children and adult professionals.
Chosen Hands Art and Wellness NGO promises to host more of the “Broken to Beautiful II” Art and Wellness workshops during the course of this year.