Every Monday I go into the ArtMix office, a bit sluggish, generally yawning, and almost always about 10 minutes later than I had planned. (I still haven’t mastered the sleep schedule adjustment from weekends to weeknights.) I sit down at my desk, sometimes forgetting to turn on the lights overhead, and look at my to-do list for the week. Many of my tasks start with the word “Create.” I find that very fitting considering the work we do at ArtMix, where we transform the lives of people with disabilities through the creation of art. The definition of create is “to bring [something] into existence;” or “to cause [something] to happen as a result of one’s actions.” Anyone can create. I create things on a daily basis, and most other people do too. But I’ve started asking myself, what is the purpose for the things I create? What am I hoping happens […]

“It’s a new challenge to see how people can change your look. I like words like transformation, reinvention, and chameleon. Because one word I don’t like is predictable.” ~Naomi Campbell People have changed my “look” or outlook during my time with the Interfaith Committee for Detained Immigrants. Each day the volunteers, the staff members, and the people that ICDI ministers to have given me a chance to learn more about the immigration system and the work of ministry. Fridays with the Interfaith Committee for Detained Immigrants have been especially transformational. They have also been some of the most difficult days of the work week for me. However, it is not for the reasons one might typically think of. Fridays are not difficult because I have to get up early. Fridays are not difficult because it is the last day of the work week. Fridays are not difficult because I am […]