Art in the Moment
As a local photographer, passionate about people and global issues, I was elated by the invitation to view “That We Should Be Heirs” at the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park. The invitation came from Jody, Executive Director of Everhome, an organization reaching out to the Syrian and Middle Eastern refugee community in San Diego. What a special privilege to spend the day at Balboa Park in the company of the girls from Everhome’s healing art group, with opportunities to photograph sweet moments and a few portraits, as well.
Capturing precious candid moments was an honor, but personally connecting with the girls—discovering personal hopes and aspirations, discussing art and photography, and most of all, laughing together—proved the most priceless piece of this unique day for me.
While the exhibit introduced these curious young women to a meaningful new avenue of creative expression, the rest of the time exploring Balboa Park fostered an unforgettable joyous experience.
As we picnicked in a grassy area of the Park, one of the girls turned on some Middle Eastern music. As she did, another girl hopped to her feet, pulling a few others to their feet as well. Within seconds, a wonderfully synchronized line danced across the grass in traditional Middle Eastern choreography. The electric energy and merriment attracted the attention of a group of foreign tourists. Soon the tourists jumped-in and ecstatically tried to participate. A humorous exchange of cultural traditions ensued: the tourists, from Asia, attempting to learn the Middle Eastern choreography, and the Middle Eastern girls attempting to learn traditional Asian greetings, bowing back and forth to one another. Soon this unlikely combination of older Asian tourists and young teenage Syrian refugee girls doubled over with hearty belly laughs. Celebrating the moment, this uncommon generational and cultural combination took dozens of goofy pictures, both sides adding a proud display of the internationally recognized peace sign.
They say art and dance are expressions of the heart that go beyond words. My words certainly can’t adequately express the thrill in my spirit as I put down my lunch to pick up my camera, delighted to commemorate the organic, interactive picture of hope and unified humanity playing out before me.
This day “at the museum” proved to be far more than a simple visit to an art exhibit. Everhome’s outing provided the opportunity for a joyous expression of freedom. The girls were…
Free to be . . .
In the moment.
Themselves.
Happy. Silly. Teenage girls.
Exquisite, extravagant souls.
Reflecting beauty, strength and courage
As delicate and exquisite as a rose.
Free to Laugh and Listen and Jump and Dance
Art: It’s about healing the soul and spirit. While the museum exhibit provoked thought, feeling and expression, the day in the Park, as a whole, provided this group a unique and fresh avenue for in-the-moment expression of the giddy, energetic, exuberant, hopeful, courageous and ambitious teenage girls they are.