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The Festival Recap - 2006 - It all started here!
The Festival started on July 1st (see below) Artistic works of all types were displayed on the walls of the main room and down the halls at the Museum. Survivors from around the world came together to support each other with creative works and positive feelings. If you have just discovered this opportunity to share with other survivors and supporters, please feel free to join us in the HTC Festival. It is a chance for all survivors of every trauma to share any type of creative work.
July 1, 2006 9AM-8PM (Day One)
The first ever Healing Through Creativity Festival began as Llewellyn McKernan led an open session for poets who shared their writings. The poetry session was followed by lessons on self responsibility featuring a karate demonstation in which Dr. Terry Smith of RESA II broke three bricks at a time to illustrate self control. A Demonstration Life Writing Class was conducted by Patric Grace of Publishers Place, Inc. Throughout the day, Jodi Larson worked with CSA survivors to make prints as part of a large project called "A Show of Hands". This art project shows the enormity of child sexual abuse. Please visit http://www.theshowofhands.com for more information. To begin the afternoon, Elizabeth Crawford of the Domestic Violence Center led a seminar for DV survivors to point our subtle warning signs that may prevent victimization. The seminar dealt with the determination of when to speak out or not and stressed safety.
Recording Artist Peggy Cornell performed many of her original Southern Gospel songs including some ultra new ones that will soon be on the charts. During an unexpected equipment repair, she broke out a fiddle and performed Amazing Grace. Trisha Hart overcome hearing impairment and dyslexia to sing several Southern Gospel songs. She also danced and signed to music.
 
During the late afternoon, Debbie Wells of Highland Hospital led a workshop for drawing and writing. Numerous visitors toured the art work and read the poems and parts of the books displayed by authors. Krista Holcomb of Putnam County Schools conducted a workshop titled "Learning to Live Again", Krista hopes to organize a continuing support group for writing and art therapy. Sarah Kingston of BRANCHES led a workshop dealing with self esteem (Who's Your Boss). The workshop featured many insightful exercises and was enjoyed by all. Several members of the BRANCHES staff were on hand to participate in the workshop. Sarah will conduct this workshop two more times during the Festival.
Visitors viewed the many works and exhibits and the last workshop extended until almost 10 PM. The feeling at the end of the day was so uplifting, that no one really wanted to leave. It is amazing how we can be delivered from such terrible circumstances and experience so many blessings. During the festival, survivors hung personalized doves in the main room. (See photograph sections)
Books and Exhibits on Display include:
"You Are Not Alone - The Companionship For Women Struggling with Eating Disorders" by Andrea Roe. Filled with stories from survivors, the book encourages sufferers to keep fighting and not give up on themselves. The participants are either fully recovered or in their final stages of recovery and have not only survived eating disorders, but also depression, social anxiety, self harm, suicidal thoughts, addictions, mental disorders emotional and phyical abuse, sexual abuse and rape. See more at http://www.youarenotalonebook.com/ by Andrea Roe. by Andrea Roe. Filled with stories from survivors, the book encourages sufferers to keep fighting and not give up on themselves. The participants are either fully recovered or in their final stages of recovery and have not only survived eating disorders, but also depression, social anxiety, self harm, suicidal thoughts, addictions, mental disorders emotional and phyical abuse, sexual abuse and rape. See more at by Andrea Roe.
A Show of Hands - artistic display by Jodi Larson - supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Jodi will be here on July 1 for CSA survivors to make hand impressions and save statements. Her exhibit was displayed in the Main Room until July 24 (See Photographs of Art).
Artistic Impressions by Elaine of South Dakota - Elaine believes that each person has a creative gift to offer. Her work portrays that survivors
become empowers with the gift of creativity and gain new positive insight. Elaine has found in her soul, a safe way to heal (See Photogrpahs of Art).
Artistic work by Vietnam Veteran Ralph Sirianni - Ralph, of Buffalo New York, has donated an autographed book cover that he painted for "A Soldiers' Heart". The cover display is for awareness of the great sacrifices by soldiers called to service.
 
Petals of Life and A Rose in Bloom by Bridgette Rose of Buffalo New York. Bridgette is a veteran and a survivor of DV. Her books feature poetry that will inspire healing and strength. She will be reading later in the Festival (see below). Silent Screams - Lori Henry - This is a collection of poems by Lori describing her journey in the reovery from bulimia. From lows to highs and desperation to recovery, the book tell of her path to freedom.
Voices of Strength - Haullie Free - Haullie has put together two CDs to support RAINN (24/7 hotline for rape). Voices of Strength features survivors telling what happened and speaking out. Mindful Lullabies features music by survivors. Haullie will set up the real exhibit when she arrives on July 19, but we surprised her by making one late Friday night for the opening day on Saturday July 1, 2006.
Strong at the Heart - Carolyn Lehman - How it feels to heal from sexual abuse. The book relates eight stories of childhood sexual abuse. It hurts children and teens, but they can heal and live rich lives.
Domestic Violence Counseling Center - Elizabeth Crawford. The exhibit is near the front entrance in the Main Room. Information on the center and services is available
RAINN and REACH Materials - Information for prevention of rape and for dealing with rape, stalking and other issues arrived on July 9 and were located on a table in the main room until they were incorporated into the REACH display on July 19.
July 9, 2006 Sunday 10:30 HTC supporters visited St. Timothy's Episcopal Church next to Valley Park in Hurricane. The church was filled with the spirit, music and happiness. This was the first Sunday in the new sanctuary. They ae putting a lot of work and love into this and it shows. On Tuesday they are looking for help with getting straw out of the newly planted grass.  
July 9, 2006 Sunday 12:30-4PM (see Schedule of Events for times) Teen Day 2pm Date Rape Awareness 3PM Music - Stand - A three piece rock band from Hurricane arrived and played a great set of contemporary and southern rock. They played on the courtyard and were well received. Look for this group on the 22nd. Due to Complications 4th Wall will not be able to perform this year, but will be part of the 2007 HTC Festival. Please pray for Joni Prince to have a quick recovery. Thanks. The logos for most of the sponsors and volunteer organizations were displayed next to the Main Room entry. July 14, 2006 Friday 6:30-8:30PM Bastille Day-Feis Doe Doe (Dinner-Dance) in courtyard - Despite heavy thunder storms the acadian-style dinner and dance was well attended. The Spicy Pineaple Cajun Cafe' catered the dinner providing a pleasing selection of foods and George Robertson played delta influenced selections. Elizabeth Crawford and Carol Robertson handled decorations. The HTC fund raiser was a success as guests were introduced to the HTC program and viewed the art exhibits with great interest. For some, it was their first visit to the Museum. A special thanks goes out to Alice Townson of Old Colony Real Estate for sponsoring a table. We were also honored that several members of the Board of Directors for the Museum in the Community attended. (see photographs). July 15, 2006 Saturday 8AM 5K Run 1mi. Fun Run/Walk - Great Teays Running Club held the annual 5-K run and 1-mile fun run in the Park.
July 15, 2006 7:30-9:30PM Gospel Sing in the Court Yard of the Museum The Sunday Night Live Band of Teays Valley Presbyterian Church, Recording Artist Peggy Cornell, George Robertson, Fairweather Fans (Christian Rock) performed at the first Gospel Sing in the Museum in the Community. Visitors enjoyed the exhibits and the spirit filled music. A special thanks goes out to Tim Cornell for the spectacular sound work and making the event truly inspirational. Peggy Cornell passed up many other opportunities to be there for the HTC Festival. Elizabeth Crawford handled the refreshments for the entire evening July 20, 2006 Thursday 6PM-9:30PM 6PM Who's Your Boss (Self Esteem) - Sarah Kingston of BRANCHES Unfortuantely, Sarah was fighting off a cold and could not make it. The workshop is also scheduled for July 29 at 9AM.
7-7:30 PM Poetry Presentation - Crystal Good - Crystal rendered an impressive and motivating set of poems and led the gathering in a discussion of topics relevant to childhood sexual abuse(CSA) Crystal is a memeber of the Appalachain Poets and is published. Suzanne Thorniley of Putnam Counseling participated in discussions and added the therapist's view point while learning more from a cross-section of survivors of various trauma.
7:30 PM Meet with Haullie Free and friends of Voices of Strength - Haullie introduced the new CD "Voices of Strength" that explores the power of the voice to bring awareness, power and acceptance. Haullie helps all who are still in silence and are looking for a way to speak out. Another interesting discussion developed and continued the topics initiated by Crystal Good. July 21, 2006 Friday 6:30-10PM
6:30-7:30 PM Songwriters In-the-Round - hosted by George Robertson - Songwriters including Dick Patton, Roger Rabalis, Rich Allen and George Robertson shared original works and occasionally improvised and added to each others compositions. Writers shared and attendees asked questions. 8 PM Writing as Therapy - Krista Holcomb - Krista expanded on how writing provides an extremely effective way to express, vent and grow in understanding during the process of recovery. Kristina privided insight to those wishing to explore this media. Krista shared on her experience and drew from that of the audience. The workshop left a feeling of warmth and understanding and many expressed an interest in continuing to meet. 9 PM Open Floor - An open time was held in Main Room as survivors discussed music, poetry, other creative forms. Topics ranged from Tori Amos to mining disasters.
July 22, 2006 Saturday 9AM-10PM
9AM Creating Tranquil Environments - Jenniver Urezzio - Main Room
Participants learned the key steps to creating a more tranquil home or office environment. Topics included how to determine hot buttons that prevent one from being serene, mastering those hot buttons and setting up an approach to harmony. For information about Jennifers' product line and custom beauty and balance programs visit www.bloominggrove.net .
10AM Music - Dick Patton and Roger Rabalis - Main Room - These singer songwriters returned to provide morning time melodies about things ranging from hurricanes to history.
11-11:30AM Solo Poetry Readings - Rose Cooper & Llewellyn McKernan - Main Room - Both of these poets shared from their repertoir and displayed books that they authored (see above) as survivors listened. 11:30AM A Show of Hands - Jodi Larson - Main Room - Jodi explained her work in helping CSA survivors make prints and tell of their experiences as part of the "Show of Hands" project - The project shows the widespread and prolific nature of CSA (see July 1 notes above).
12-1PM Secondary Survivors
1PM Poetry by Mariah Metazger - Main Room - Mariah read from an extensive collection of poems from the various stages of recovery from CSA. Selections ranged from heavy and triggering to light and fun.
1:30 PM West Virginia Crime Victims Compensation Fund - Nicole Reed - Main Room - Nicole covered the elements of the program in which victims have two years to file for compensation from reported crimes.
2 - 2:45 PM Unexpected Reactions to Teen Trauma - Grace Monet - Main Room
Grace presented a paper on how trauma and emotions are expressed differently in teen years than they are when physiological growth is complete. She has written a book on this topic to share new prospectives.
2:45PM Poetry Open Readings - Llewellyn Mckernan and Rose Cooper - Main Room - Llewellyn and Rose led several poets in sharing their work with a host of survivors in the Museum. The readings were well received (see event photographs). 3:30 PM Drawing and Writing to Heal - Debbie Wells - Class Room - Debbie Wells of Highland Hospital introduced ways to relate understanding and reduce stress.
4:30 PM USA Martial Arts - Roger Jarett - Main Room - A brief and exciting martial arts demonstartion was presented. 5 PM Break Break and Jam Session for Blues by Bonnie McKeown and George Robertson
6 PM Creating Tranquil Environments - Jennifer Urezzio - Main Room
Jennifer again demonstrated how to create a peaceful and stress free environment at home and at work. She explained how to recognize and control hot buttons to create a serene, harmonious environments.
7 PM Blues to Lose the Blues - Bonnie McKeown - Main Room - Bonnie sang and played piano and explained how the blues can be a release for stress and negative feelings. 8 PM Voices of Strength - Haullie Free - Main Room - Each survivor has a set of experiences that is unique. Haullies new CD "Voices of Strength" brings new awareness and explores the power of the voice. Finding acceptance when speaking out is empowering and builds confidence. Haullies helps those who are still silent, but are looking for their way to speak out. Five survivors stories were played in the candle light and several discussed their stories. Three of the five featured survivors (Haullie, Brian and Catherine) were present.
July 23, 2006 Sunday
10:30 Visited St. Timothy's Episcopal Church near Museum
1 PM Faith Based Healing - Elizabeth Crawford- Main Room - Elizabeth focused on the Bible as it applies to domestic violence. An interesting video was shown and stories were shared.
2 PM Art Therapy - Elva Bias - Main Room - Art work of any form is useful in expressing feelings and needs. It helps provide a framework to healing and is usually a stress reducing activity. Elva explained her work in Native Fear and related numerous ways to begin to use art as a stress release and outlet for expression.
3 PM Breaking the Silence or Not - Elizabeth Crawford - Main Room - Domestic violence was the main focus of this workshop. Visitors and participants asked questions and discussions followed. Everyone was pleased with the workshop and the discussions carried over into the late afternoon.  
Art work and poetry continued to arrive at the Museum. The exhibit has now filled gaps and extended down the front hall. There are still several items remaining to be posted. They should be up by Wednesday and more items will probably arrive. On Sunday (July 23), West Virginians Against Abuse visited the Museum to see the HTC exhibits. HTC is honored to receive the visitation and is glad to support the effort to make the world safe for children. Please see the links and pictures on this site.
July 24, 2006 Monday
7PM Soccer - Bob Fahner - Soccer Field - About 20 people of all ages and equally mixed between men and women participated in the first HTC Kick Around. Although few HTC participants participated, these individuals came out to be part of the HTC Festival. Photographs of some of the warmups are in the photo section of this web site. No one was carded and both teams complemented each other. After the game, everyone retreated to a local swimming pool. July 29, 2006 Saturday 9-12 AM Who's Your Boss (Self Esteem Workshop) - Sarah Kingston - Sarah led the work shop as individuals arrived during the morning. There were many excercises that captured interest and helped participants reach for deeper understandings. Fox's Pizza donated Pizza and everyone enjoyed a last get together before removing the art work and dismantling the displays. New members were eager to begin work on improving the Festival for 2007. The initial planning meeting will be on Thursday September 31 at 5:30 PM at Shoney's at the Teays Valley Exit. We will take a month off to unwind and then begin to make some important Plans. Until then, beeeeee good.
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