When given a second chance in life after a serious hit-and-run car accident, Misa Art accepted an internal calling to use her creative and intuitive gifts to help in-need youth express themselves.
Today, the Misa For Love Foundation provides at-risk children with a form of art therapy, facilitating emotional and physical healing through painting. Launched in 2013, Misa for Love has worked with children at the Boys & Girls Club, Center for Independence and Conductive Education and the Sinai Community Institute.
“I teach them to trust me, that I bring with me love and not violence,” Art says. “Sometimes it’s hard for these kids to talk about things. I try to explain to them about the colors and breathing techniques while painting. It’s a release for them.”
For Art’s students, the program offers a way to explore their creativity without judgment.
“She is a natural with children, encouraging them to express themselves regardless of their significant physical limitations” says Patricia Herbst, executive director of The Center for Independence through Conductive Education, a non-profit organization that helps children with physical disabilities gain independence. “Misa teaches them that there is no ‘right way’ to express yourself creatively; there is only ‘your way.’”
Misa uses color chakras to help guide her students. According to Indian yogic teachings, there are seven main chakras in our body, each represented by a color. For example, the heart chakra is green and the throat chakra is blue. By introducing the colors to her students in their art making, Art hopes to open the various chakras to help the children reveal parts of themselves.
“It’s healing,” Art says of the program.
Art frames and sells the children’s work to support her foundation, and the other organizations supporting her students. Last year, in partnership with children attending the Chicago and Countryside locations of the Center for Independence’s program, Art created a painting inspired by the organization’s logo. It was auctioned at the organization’s annual fundraiser and all the proceeds went to support intensive motor training for children with physical disabilities.
Art hopes to expand the program, not only to other organizations serving at-risk youth, but also to a broader population.
“Art is a great way to help children naturally, whether it’s with anxiety or other issues,” she says.
