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| By Danielle Paine Reminder Assistant Editor SPRINGFIELD - Jean Jack wants to use art to help abuse survivors express what words cannot describe. "I am a survivor," she said. "Art really helped me get out the feelings that I couldn't describe." Jack is searching for others interested in helping women heal from abuse and trauma through creativity. After recieving several phone calls, she has decided that while the sky is really the limit, the program will be based in painting, sculpture, quilting, music and drama. Her master plan is to incorporate a resource center and a gallery, where the women can sell their work. This could not only be a huge self confidence builder, Jack said, but it would also be a step toward financial dependance for the women, some of whom may be living only on disability insurance income. "Wherever your therapy needs to go is what the program will entail," Jack said. "Art can take many forms and in the long run, it's what comes out of your soul." Several people have volunteered to teach the basics of some art techniques for the group when it begins meeting regularly. Finding the creativity among the clients to fuel these activities won't be difficult, Jack explained. "Most survivors are creative because you have to be creative to find ways to hide the abuse and to survive," she said. Although she has a business plan developed and is applying for grant funding, Jack is always lending an ear to anyone with ideas. Those interested in the issue of abuse or the arts are invited to be a part of the project in lending their voice or some direction. "I used to have a small support group there was more phone calls than I could handle," Jack said. "Even looking for a therapist was daunting. I was turned down by 27 therapists before I found mine because they were all overbooked." Jack believes that fellow survivors of abuse will favor this method beyond traditional therapy because there are no strict rules or time allotments and most therapists are not survivors of abuse themselves. For more information or to contact Jean Jack, call 755-1753. |