Sarah Raskey Art & Design

SFMOMA

2012-01-31T20:18:00.000-08:00

Opportunity for CEU's

2010-11-07T15:34:00.001-08:00

OPPORTUNITY FOR CEU's:

My business partner Jake Colton and I will be hosting an upcoming training at Oakton Community College providing new insights and information regarding Spirituality, Sexuality, and Safety in Psychotherapy.

Continuing education hours for the following IDFPR licensed professions:
• Professional Counselors - 6.0 clock hours
• Marriage and Family Therapists - 6.0 clock hours
• Addictions Counselors (IAODAPCA Members) - 6.0 clock hours

Fee: $185; early registration: $159*
For registration information, call 847.635.1934 or 847.635.1808

HP Palooza

2010-08-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

HP PALOOZA

I have been invited to paint live during the following performances at HP Palooza.

(which is a private corporate event hosted by Impact Events)

Here is the GREAT line up of bands for the event:

Snoop Dogg

Lovehammers

Everclear

Fuel

The Dan Band

DIVA EVENT hosted by MAVEN

2010-08-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

DIVA EVENT!

I have had the pleasure of being honored as a "diva" for the performing arts category by MAVEN. Please read on to learn more about these fun and woman powered events!
Maven, Today's Chicago Woman, The Aparecio Foundation and Jbar have teamed up once again for the DIVA SERIES to honor influential and success women in Business, PR, Media, Fashion, Fitness, Beauty, Lifestyle and much more:di·va - [dee-vuh, -vah] noun, distinguished female singer; prima donna. Goddess, fine lady.
"She’s a Video Vixen….you see them on TV, hear them on radio, clap at their performances, watch them rock the runway and dance to their music in the club! They are ROCKSTARS…as they simply ROCK and will be the STAR of any show! Featuring Actors, Musicians, Artists, Media Personalities, Reality TV Stars, Models, etc."

LIST OF DIVAS:
*Megan Taylor - DJ Megan Taylor of figdeejay
*Ashley Bush - Sketch Comedian and Actress, Founder and Executive Director of La Costa Theatre.
*Comedy Divas - The Era (Sarah Ashley and Dara Katz) - The Playground Theatre, Second City, training at Improv Olympic, and doing stand-up all over Chicago. Or, if you like inappropriate PSAs, a capella at the zoo and Rachel Zoe parodies, check out their YouTube Channel "The Comedy Of Eras", www.thecomedyoferas.tumblr.com
*Candice Sansone – Rockstylist – Owner of Rock Candy – Hair and Makeup Stylist
*Heather Ronkoske – video producer Diva
*DJ Kimya - 10 years soundtrack specialist for the fashion runway...Kimya programmed the initial Rock the Runway fashion show in 2000 at the Park West for Irene Michaels...was the first female dj to program the Chicago Latin Fashion Week... started at Indie record lable "RAMA RECORD" for remixes for Chicago diva vocalist Shawn Christoper
*Nancy Nguyen - Sweet T, LLC Founder/Owner, Model, Hair Stylist, MBA, Country Comes in all Colors.com, Miss United States 2009-2010
*Sarah VonderHaar – contestant on America’s Next Top Model and musician/photographer
*Jessica Jakosalem - professional model and booking agent at JRPChicago.com
*Jen Perucca – Marketing Director/Philanthropist
*Hilary Rawk – DJ and Broke Hipster
*Sadie Woods - curator and DJ Sadie Woods of White Label"
*Sarah Raskey MA LCPC ATR- Founder/president of The Giving Gallery and co founder of Open Avenue Therapy Chicago. Fine Artist, psychotherapist/art therapist and philanthropist. www.sarahraskey.com
*Gina Ferraro - Gina Ferraro is a reporter for the Emmy award winning Chicago show, Nude Hippo. It's 24/7 ONLINE at NBCchicago.com & NudeHippo.com. Host of the weeknight show on Dance Factory Radio, 92.5, 92.7, and 99.9 (9FM) on the Chicago airwaves. - www.ginamarieferraro.com
*Erin Martin - Singer/Songwriter
*Natalie Martinez - NBC 5 Reporter

Special DJ appearances by Hilary Rawk, Sadie Woods, Megan Taylor and DJ Kimya :)

My Artistic and Spiritual Retreat to Bali

2010-07-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Somewhere in the space between my departure gate at O’Hare airport in Chicago and my last barefoot moments walking through the jungle in Bali…I found miles of grace.

I should mention that in Bali, most of every day was spent barefoot. Now I am used to packing things that I do not necessarily "need"...but I would not have guessed shoes would fall into this category.

All packing phenomena aside, the superfluous volume of pure beauty in Bali is not to be believed! A mindscape of terraced rice paddy fields and numerous temples surrounded by wild rivers that cut through deep canyons of jungle with volcanoes visible on the horizon. All contained in a culture that thrives on worldly pleasure, spiritual devotion, and embraces an encyclopedia of kindness. You literally can not look anywhere without having your eyes met by a heavily adorned alter or an offering on the grounds, on the walls, and over archways…all in vibrant arrangements of fresh flowers, incense and candles.

The whole idea of Bali is a matrix, a massive and invisible grid of spirit guides, customs, art, science, and religion. This is why it is referred to as “the island of the gods,” and there is no doubt that the island is certainly haunted by the type of enchantment that is both transcendent and divine.

I wish it were possible to fully describe the spiritual overhaul that took place for me in Bali, or the collection of brave and gentle souls who I met there. I was moved by each person who came to gather and stand side by side as both strangers and as family in what seemed to be this Alice in wonderland like parallel universe of an adventure. An adventure that even came complete with a capsizing boat ride and tantric dancers all in the same day! Anyways, my short entry is the best that I can do as an attempt to give shape to the intangible.

What I enjoyed most about Bali was that it provided a consistent series of uplifting and illuminating moments. I felt a shift that made my time there feel less like I was searching and more like I was “being.” As far as I can tell, personal awakening is a direct result of your best effort. You fight for it, you strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in manifesting your own conscious expansion so that you can take those teachings and better serve others…and this of course is somewhat of an endless pilgrimage since we must always take care of our "families" wherever we may find them…again and again.

So with this in mind I focused on surrendering and letting go as a way to reach a heightened and progressive state of opening myself up more fully. Which was made easy to do as I was drinking from and running my head under the Tampak Siring Temple fountains (holy spring water), meditating, drumming, painting, carving, praying, etc. for hours each day. Additionally, in the evenings we would stumble upon mysterious temple rituals in the most hidden of places and let ourselves be hypnotized by the chorus of voices and ceremonial dances.

Part of why this trip felt like utopia was also that there was an equal balance between individual and universal experience that was occurring. This particular group dynamic was a mighty exhibition of charisma and creative fireworks may I add, which only seemed to ignite itself on the essence and energy of being woven together in Bali. So thankfully even amongst our own personal agendas, there was still a strong collective group commitment to opening up, bearing witness, and holding space for one another in a variety of intense moments.

I must share that what does open up within you in the midst of chanting chilling mantras for hours in the belly of a thousand plus year old cave, in the middle of the night, in the heart of the jungle…is completely indescribable…and you are never the same. What opened up for me that particular night left me asking myself the question; “Oh my god…what if I never came here?” In that same moment I heard the answer: “This was already written, you were always coming here, and you were always going to know these truths.”

These truths will remain private, but I can share that these truths caused me to do something I have not done in a long time… I did nothing. I just sat and was still. Of course my version of sitting still was more like a quite pleading with my mind to clear itself…and of course so many thoughts came flooding through without my consent.

So I would start my meditation and mantra over, and try not to let my mind drift into worry. Of course all I could picture was an endless stream of images and words about all of my blessings and all of my uncertainties. I ended up holding each of these thoughts for a moment and telling them: “ I know you are here and I accept you for what you are or are not…but I need you to rest right now.

I did this with every matter of my heart, every unresolved happening, everything I have ever been afraid to bring into the light, and thanked all of my teachers who have come to me in such curious forms…until I felt as if I looked ancient from this exertion but empowered that I was the commander of my own release and liberation.

Needless to say I feel that my journey overall proved to be a soul rebirth or replenishing of sorts. A personal transformation that took place in the shape of a rapid-fire stream of unforgettable glimpses and insights saturated in meaning. I am so thankful to have been a part of such a unique opportunity for profound connection and spiritual evolution.

I hope to hang onto these humbling memories as long as I can. I am aware that my “perm-a-grin” will inevitably wear off as I tip-toe quietly through the back door and reenter my “real” life with all of its responsibilities and assignments.

I do know however, that I have a deep appreciation for the mysterious search for meaning. An appreciation that has become a personal commitment which seems to have little to do with common sense and everything to do with love…love for self and love for others.

I realize that just because I had a transformative life experience, that I still may never fully understand my role in the complexity of mankind’s quest for the artistic and sacred. That I may never be the person who packs only what they need when preparing for a trip, and that I will never ever be the woman revered by others for her straight laced conventionality any sooner than I will be the first picked player for a wiffle ball team draft.

But what is true about myself is that when the universe opens itself up to ask: “Who is ready to explore a most curious and profound adventure?” That I can be someone who coolly pulls up a chair, kicks off her shoes, and says: “well now I’m your girl.”

Cameron Rafati

2010-06-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

Cameron's NEW video!

Cameron Rafati is a huge guy with an even bigger heart!, and his friendship and support

during my "Running on heART Project" made such a difference. He was even kind enough to allow us to take the stage and introduce our project in the middle of his own record release party! Cameron could not have been more helpful even after the event! He is a great talent, a Sundance award winner, and his song battles was recently featured in Tyler Perry's recent

feature film"Why Did I Get Married Too" Staring Janet Jackson.

Please check out his new video below as well as his music at: http://www.cameronrafati.com/

Lakeshore East Article

2010-06-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to write an article for the Lakeshore east journal. It was meant to be light hearted enough for a short entry but a piece that could also speak to the universal notion of the way that we live our lives!

Hope you enjoy

The Art of Living

by Sarah Raskey MA LCPC ATR

Each of our lives is filled with funny possibilities, miracles and malfunctions, gardens and graveyards…and since the universe apparently has a sense of humor, all of these things can even be experienced in the same afternoon. So how do we remain present and make the most out of our time here in the midst of all of life’s distractions?

I have been an Art Therapist/Psychotherapist for the past 6 years; I have been an artist since I was old enough to “borrow” my mother’s lipstick to create a two foot tall wall mural scrawled across my bedroom (picture Chanel meets graffiti art), and I have been a fledgling human being for as long as I can remember.

Every day I work with people who are looking for answers, looking to make sense out of their life and their story. Beyond the office walls I also find that most people are in search of how to exist meaningfully within the great mystery of it all. So it is no wonder why every now and again we have moments that look/feel a lot like we just found ourselves wondering how we woke up in the trunk of a car…as if we have no idea what we are doing here…how we got here...or how to be here.

From the time we are small we are taught to develop faiths and morals, and string together what we believe to be truths as a way of forming a compass, one that will help us do this whole being human thing the “right way.” Of course, the notion of fate and destiny within the context of our life is all too complex to dive into in this article. However, I do believe that they are held together by a few basic fundamentals as to "how to be here." I refer to these basic fundamentals as “the art of living.”

In many ways it is the art of being present in our lives. It is about seizing every opportunity to feel alive; to participate and engage in all that is around us because all of it is a gift and an opportunity to learn. The art of living is talking to perfect strangers daily because we can embrace them as part of our extended family, or taking the extra two minutes to really look closely at the way the clouds form right before a magnificent thunder and lightening storm. It’s laughing at ourselves out loud when we have missed the last step (again), which results in a quest for Neosporin. It is our ability to risk making mistakes so that we may live in the moment because we do not believe in missing out on the brilliance and ridiculousness of life’s offerings just to protect our egos. It is the knowing that there every day can hold an adventure, a seeking, and an exploring... so that we may become inspired by all of the “mini miracles” going on all around us.

I would like to think of it all this way; even when we ride a bike we have choices to make. If we keep our eyes only straight ahead with a tight grip on the handlebars, it is likely that we will avoid a great fall. However, we would likely not notice the way the sun’s light comes drifting magically through the vines of our favorite weeping willow tree. The truth is that we don't always know exactly where we are riding our bike to, or maybe we do but we have no idea what we will do when we get there or why we are going in the first place... but if we focus on the "art of living"...we can at the very least enjoy our trip.

Life has a creative way of opening up to us in moments, as if it knows that it can reach us in chapters through stories only we can write. Sometimes life becomes overwhelming and hard and we forget that we have the freedom to practice the art of living. Sometimes our moments will make us smile and other times we will get a few bruises from them. This is to know the art of living. To love all moments equally as they come our way because they are all equally a part of our story and our journey...but mostly to remember that they are all are all an opportunity to find meaning and to make the very most of them.

Off to Bali?

2010-05-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

About the Alex Grey Bali Spiritual Retreat 2010

So excited that I will be one of the 25 creative types that will make up the traveling "Cosm Grey Tribe."

So myself and other Cosm Grey Tribe group members (including the Grey's and a variety of mystics, artists, and fire dancers etc) will be traveling to New York and Tokyo on the first leg of the experience, but at the heart of the journey and destination will be the island of Bali.

Bali is a mystical and magical island 6 degrees off the equator. It is rooted in Buddhism and Hinduism energetically. Bali holds Venus-Neptune energy. The scenery is beautiful and inspirational. People come to live their life in a creative way, especially in Ubud. Everything done is a devotion to the divine. Each village is devoted to a different artistic expression: painting, weaving, stone carving etc.

New modalities will be learned as well as painting and other aspects of creativity, at the retreat as well as regular meetings with shamans and other various experiences and temple gatherings/parties. The whole island is buzzing with excitement for the Grey's arrival!

A Little Bit about the Grey's:

These artists specialize in spiritual and psychedelic art (or visionary art) and are the co-founders of the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, a non-profit institution supporting Visionary Culture in New York City.

Alex has spent time teaching and working at the Harvard Medical School in the department of Mind/Body Medicine with Dr.Herbert Benson and Dr. Joan Borysenko, conducting scientific experiments to investigate subtle healing energies. The Grey's have created a series of 50 art actions and performances over the last thirty years depicting the universal human experience and connection to divinity through sacred art. Grey's paintings have been featured in venues as diverse as the album art of Tool,String Cheese Incident, the Beastie Boys and Nirvana, Newsweek magazine, the Discovery Channel, Rave flyers and sheets of blotter acid etc etc.

Their work has been exhibited worldwide, including Feature Inc., Tibet House, Stux Gallery, P.S. 1, The Outsider Art Fair and the New Museum in NYC, the Grand Palais in Paris, the Sao Paulo Biennial in Brazil. Alex has been a keynote speaker at conferences all over the world after having been embraced by the art and scientific field as one of the most unparalleled and important mapmakers and spokesman for the visionary realm of our time. So it is no wonder why these two have an overwhelming international following.

Alex Grey is also a noted author with his book the Mission of Art being translated into five different languages and having sold over one hundred thousand copies. The Grey's have produced multiple video's/DVD's and focus on rediscovering an enchanted cosmos in the modern world.

Chi Sigma Iota Induction Ceremony

2010-05-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

Sunshine Artist Magazine Cover!

2010-04-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

I created this piece on the cover titled: Twilight.

It is a mixed media piece.

Just wanted to share an article/cover I was featured in for Sunshine Artist Magazine.

Sunshine Artist is the nation’s leading publication for art show exhibitors, promoters and

patrons since 1972.

To view the article about my artwork and inspirations, please visit page 26 at:

http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=33219

Power Piece Workshop

2010-04-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

Thoughts On Living Openly

2010-04-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Part of what I feel has fueled my work as an artist is that I have always tried to live my life as "openly" as possible.

I seek out and explore a variety of adventures, mysteries, and traditions with the hopes that I will gain new wisdom, knowledge and understanding with each experience...and that collectively those new insights will help me become a much more conscious therapist and artist.

There have been many inspiring and spiritual endeavors I have a history of studying and participating in, over the years. Some of the most noticeable hints of cultural influence that have surprisingly shown up in my art pieces have had Native American symbolism and undertones. When I was younger I often dreamt of Native American people and ceremonies and yet had never had any education of their culture other than what little I was taught in history classes. So as I got older and the dreams continued, I decided that I would make a point to begin to learn more about their history and traditions at some point.

No sooner had I given this some thought, when in more ways then one, I was blessed enough to serendipitously cross paths with several Native American healers and ministers who were willing to teach me a few things, gracious enough to allow me to participate in ceremonies, and even agree to come to a few of my art therapy groups as special guests who could speak volumes about the importance of respecting our mother earth.

Well, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you a few examples of the ceremonies I have been participating in and encourage you to continue to educate yourself on such a beautiful culture and it's people.

The time I have spent in ceremony has been profound and I know that those meaningful experiences will find ways to further express themselves through my work as both therapist and painter.

Please read on to learn more!

Sarah

*Chiefs Crow Dog Sr. & Jr. as well as their entourage traveled to Oswego IL. to lead in these very powerful healing Ceremonies:

Pipe Ceremony and Sweat Lodge
A "Sweat" will takes place when the time is right after dark. It is meant as a purification and rebirth. A large tent like structure is built with a deep hole in the center. Participants are cleansed with smudge and enter the sweat clockwise. When the room is full the leader will perform various prayers and call for the "grandfathers".

The grandfathers are the red hot stones from a nearby fire. The sweat structure closed and no light is visible. Water is poured on the grandfathers to heat the sweat. There is singing and chanting for about 5-15 min. Then upon verbalizing "Mitakuye Oyasin" the door will open and more Grandfathers will be requested as the process will repeat 3 more times.

It is EXTREMELY hot in the sweat. Men are requested to wear only shorts and women are requested to wear a long full length dress with short sleeves. No additional items such as glasses, watches, jewelry of any kind or metal should be worn so as to avoid burns.

By breathing slow shallow breaths and singing with the leaders, this journey is a joyous and enlightening experience. However, those with health concerns, or who are pregnant or are menstruating are not recommended to participate.

Yuwipi Ceremony
A Yuwipi is a Lakota/Sioux healing ceremony performed in COMPLETE darkness. In the ceremony, the healer is tied up with a special blanket and ropes while praying, chanting, and singing for the healing of a specific person or persons. Other participants also pray for the person or persons to be healed. The ceremony is very hard on the healer, who gives away a piece of his life every time it is performed. Yuwipi healers therefore lead short and difficult lives, in exchange for helping their communities. Typically those who participate experience the presences of Spirits and other phenomenal events during the Yuwipi.

Your Mind's Design!

2010-04-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

I am excited to share with you that I have been asked to join the Your Mind's Design Team as one of their freelance painters! YMD was created by artist and entrepreneur Anna Fraizer who has extensive knowledge of both the art world and a successful career in advertising. She understands exactly what it takes to make sure clients get exactly what they want! And in this case they want a painting that they dreamed up and that an artist brings to life!

Nina Pak Photography

2010-04-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I met artist Nina Pak during a reception that was held at the gallery that showcased her work along with several other artists including myself. Nina was just as interesting in person as her work would suggest, as well as very helpful as I had a few technical questions that she willingly gave me thoughtful feedback on.

Nina Pak is an award winning international photographer and multi-media artist. She draws inspiration from her dreams and loves fantasy and science fiction. She has worked as the curator for the Glendale Arts Council for many years, was the design editor for AustralAsia magazine in Moscow Russia! She now works with digital photography, Alt process printing, publication, hand-made art books, visual journals, collaborative art books, Compact Disc packaging, design & layout.

To learn more about Nina's work, please visit:

http://www.ninapak.com/

Artemisia

2010-02-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

www.artemisiastyle.com

You can now find my work at the 2nd floor gallery at Artemisia:

A definite MUST SEE, Artemisia is located on historic third street in Geneva IL, and owned by Debra Koertge. Artemisia brings a fusion of styles and a new take on designs for the home. You'll find intriguing antique furniture from around the world that is ideal for today's living. Great lines, function, and craftsmanship are inherent in every piece, no matter the style!
"The 2nd floor gallery features the work of a growing number of contemporary artists. A diverse group of artists, working in a range of media all sharing the creative and material boundaries of their craft. The gallery's artists have received critical praise in local and national publications and showings.

The 2nd floor gallery is open everyday, Monday-Saturday 10-5; Sunday 12-4; and the first Friday of every month from 6-9 pm during the first Friday Gallery Walk. The walk is a self guided art walk and reception at 8 participating Geneva Art Galleries which are all within walking distance of each other. Log on to Art Galleries in Geneva for additional information."--www.artemisiastyle.com

Little Luxuries

2010-02-25T13:13:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let everyone in on one of the new locations you can now visit to view or purchase my artwork! Located in the heart of downtown Naperville, Little Luxuries is an eclectic mix of gifts and features hand-made items from exclusive artists and designers from all over the country. Be sure to check it out!

Article Excerpt
Byline: Kim Mikus Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)

Owner of Little Luxuries Sue Finck offers floral designs, custom home draperies, linens and pillows as well as an array of home design concepts.

"I'm trying to bring the comfort of home," Finck said. "I want to bring the feeling that you're walking into my home."
Finck, who has a background in the retail industry, said she is bringing in merchandise that's useful and "has real meaning."

"I like the fact that I have given a lot of thought to everything my customers touch,"...

A Surprise

2010-02-04T11:59:00.001-08:00

While at the One of a Kind Show this past weekend, I was given a piece of artwork from a woman who attended one of my women's empowerment workshops several months ago. She said that she recently came across a handout that I had included in the packet for the class and that she was inspired to create the first piece of art she has ever made on her own since her first time creating art in my workshop!

She had actually included the script from the handout on her art and told me that she wanted to donate the piece to the Giving Gallery! I was blown away by her courage, talent, and consideration-- and thought I should pass along her story to you all! Below is a copy of the text from the handout I had given her, that was given to me several years ago. Anyways, I love when people discover their inner artist:) Enjoy the pic and the write up!!!

That is all for now!

Sarah

"A healthy woman is much like a wolf. Robust, loyal, fierce—Yet separation from her wildish nature causes a woman to become meager, ghostly, anxious about leaping, fearful to create a new life. With the nature as ally and teacher, we see not through two eyes only, but through the many eyes of intuition. With intuition we are like the starry night, we gaze at the world through a thousand eyes. The archetype of the wild woman carries “los bultos”, all the bundles for healing and meaning.

She carries all the medicines of stories, words, and songs, all the mending tools of dances, signs, and symbols. She is both vehicle and destination. She is the essence of the female soul. No matter how many times she is cut back, or called unsafe, dangerous, useless or mad, she rises through the psyche regardless. Even “la somber.” The most restrained woman, keeps a secret place for her wild nature. Even “la cautiva” the most captured woman, is waiting for an opportunity to hightail it to freedom. All women are born gifted. To live close to the instinctual nature does not mean to become undone. It means to establish one’s creative territory, find one’s pack, be in one’s body with certainty and pride. It means to act in one’s behalf, to find what one belongs to. It means to rise with dignity, to proceed as a powerful being who is friendly but never tame. The wild woman is the one who thunders in the face of injustice. She is the one who keeps a woman going when she thinks she is done for.

The wild woman is fluent in the languages of dreams, images, passion, and poetry. No act of love or social justice occurs without her. She lives in every woman, everywhere; in the barrios and the boardroom, in the prison and on the mountain at the fire, in the penthouse suite and on the night bus to Brownsville. She is mother “El duende,” the goblin wind of creativity. She leaves footprints behind for us to try on for size. Whether you are possessed of a simple heart or the ambitions of the Amazon, whether you are trying to make it to the top or just make it through tomorrow, whether you be spicy or somber, regal or rough, the wild nature belongs to you. She truly belongs to all. The issue is simple. Without us wild woman dies. Without wild woman, we die. “Para Vida,” for true life, both must live.

Within every woman there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. Her name is Wild Woman, but she is an endangered species. Though the gifts of the wildish nature come to us at birth, society's attempt to "civilize" us into rigid roles has plundered this treasure, and muffled the deep, life-giving messages of our own souls. Without Wild Woman, we become over-domesticated, fearful, uncreative, trapped.

The real miracle of individuation and reclamation of the Wild Woman is that we all begin the process before we are ready, before we are strong enough, before we know enough; we begin a dialogue with thoughts and feelings that both tickle and thunder within us. We respond before we know how to speak the language, before we know all the answers, and before we know exactly to whom we are speaking.

If you want to create, you have to sacrifice superficiality, some security, and often your desire to be liked, to draw up your most intense insights, your most far-reaching visions. Do not cringe and make yourself small if you are called the black sheep, the maverick, the lone wolf. Those with slow seeing say a nonconformist is a blight on society. But it has been proven over the centuries, that being different means standing at the edge, means one is practically guaranteed to make an original contribution, a useful and stunning contribution to her culture." --Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D

Haiti

2010-02-01T14:26:00.003-08:00

I have received so many emails recently from those who are deeply bewildered and upset by the ongoing hardship in Haiti, and who would like to collaborate to raise funds for Haiti. I myself was beyond sickened to learn of the current devastation several weeks ago. I too felt a sense of wanting to do my part, which seems like “not enough” to aid in the support of the Haitian people.

As an art therapist I work daily with individuals who are dealing with difficult and/or traumatic circumstances. I often find myself reflecting upon the struggles and experiences of others--and I know all to well, what it feels like to try to make sense out of the senseless. So I wanted to share a response to the emails I have been receiving regarding the situation in Haiti and why I choose to help in the only way I know how: (please see attachment for gallery info)

My thoughts are these...For centuries, worldwide, people just like us have been brought down, ambushed, and broken by various extremes. Therefore, we all have a history of being “assulted” by various deadly hardships over the decades...and yet remember this...we have also, time and time again, perfected the knack of resurrection. We are living proof that the destroyed and hurt world around us can be restored to life again.

In any dark time, there is a tendency to feel hopeless over how much is wrong or overwhelming in the world. I would like to encourage all of us to not focus on that. To not make ourselves ill with all that seems almost too impossible to take care of.

During times of great despair, it is easy to become weakened by fixating on what is outside of our reach. Again, we should not focus there. We are needed, that is all we can know. Ours is not the task of mending the whole world at once, but of stretching out to help the part of the world that is within our reach.

Any small, loving thing that one soul can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of this perpetually suffering world, will help immensely. It is not given to us to know which acts or by whom, will cause a lasting enduring good.. but what is most needed for dramatic change is an accumulation of kind and giving acts--adding, adding to, adding more, continuing, little act by little act. I believe that is how we can best contribute to Haiti right now.

In my case it is through participation in small fundraising events, and the sale of art through a local Gallery in Chicago. It does not feel like enough sometimes, but it is exactly my part. In that spirit, I hope that you all take the time to contribute in some way however small, and know that your collective supportive energies truly will make a difference.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from those of you who have any additional thoughts:)

Sarah

Power Pieces

2010-02-01T14:26:00.001-08:00

So I have started the new year off with a brand new series called "Power Pieces." This collection has been more or less in the making for years, but only more fully developed this past year.

Since childhood I have experienced numerous dreams, visions, and images that encourage me to paint as a way to express/share those images.... that has led me to further explore the arts and healing and my own spirituality. As an adult I continue to participate in a variety of spiritual/cultural research endeavors and projects. This ongoing eclectic research and exploration has been a way for me to not only become a more well rounded and insightful therapist, but has also allowed me to provide artwork that is highly rooted in growth, meaning, and healing.

As a therapist I want to focus on creating art that is able to empower people and be viewed as symbols of strength and honor. There is power in being able to create what you need, and this is an opportunity to do just that.

Check out the new Power Piece series at : http://sarahraskey.com/#goto=power-piece-art enjoy!!!

Hope everyone is having a great week and looking forward to hearing your feedback!

Sarah

Now you see it now you dont'

2010-02-01T14:25:00.003-08:00

Fifty Artists (including myself) have been selected to participate in a group mural that will run the length of the halls at the historic Flatiron Arts building as part of the "Now you see it, now you don't" event on February 5th, 2010 .

We are creating the mural from now until the end of January. The mural will not be revealed to the public until 2/5/10 and will only be displayed ONE NIGHT from 6-10pm before it is painted over!!! The transformation of the Flatiron building's iconic, labyrinth halls is a big job and I am encouraging as many "non-artists" to have fun with this and to get involed! If anyone is interested in helping paint my section of the mural (no experience needed-this is supposed to be fun!) let me know!

Valentines Cards for Children's Hospital in Los Angeles

2010-02-01T14:25:00.001-08:00

I am participating in a project in Los Angeles right now that is bringing love to the Children’s Hospital in L.A. for Valentines Day by putting together a card exchange for their patients.

The hospital has a total of 320 in-patient beds, we need many artists involved to make the exchage as impactful as possible. Please let me know if you would like to become involved by creating V-day cards for the children there!

Scooter Says Thanks!

2010-02-01T14:20:00.001-08:00

Thanks everyone for checking out my updates etc and for all of the feedback! As most of you know, I created the Giving Gallery several years ago as a way to help financially support a variety of non for profits and organizations through the arts.

This past December at the One of a Kind Show and sale at the Merchandise Mart was another opportunity to sell art and give 50% of proceeds to a great cause!

I chose Angel's Gate to be the recipient of the funds raised at the One of A Kind Show and wanted to let everyone know that I just posted pics and a small write up about how those funds were utilized: (aka a special needs puppy named Scooter who lives at Angel's Gate, who was in need of an eye surgery)

If you want to take a look at the story and view the Angel's Gate video...scoll to the news section of:

http://sarahraskey.com/#goto=news-and-events

I began working with Angel's Gate several years ago, and I have two special needs puppies myself...I know first hand how much work and how rewarding caring for special needs animals can be.... to see what Angel's Gate has taken on is truly inspirational and definitely a cause near and dear to my heart!

Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe weekend...and I will be in touch soon!

Sarah

Running on heART : BLOG POST June 19th, 2009

2010-01-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

We are BACK!

Well we are back from our cross country road trip to raise awareness and funds for an open art studio located in Uptown Chicago! An overwhelming trunk full of stories and memories later, as well as several near death experiences-we are no worse for the wear! We have decided though that being lost in the mountains at night (as we were for hours on a couple of occasions) is inherently how this project has felt -filled with twists, turns, dark gravel roads vs glimmers of light, needing to ask for directions, being unsure, being rained on, overcoming fear, questioning why anyone would agree to this in the first place, calling in to lifelines for help, being brave, sending up a few prayers and eventually finding our way.

Oh, and not to mention we had many car glitches (aka hitting a median, overheating in Death Valley on our way to LA, leaking mystery fluid the whole trip, and a service engine light that flickered frequently) which caused us to miss several cities and even be rained out in one while missing a handful of tornado warnings while passing through towns! These types of setbacks also led to us missing the mark in terms of our fundraising goal by quite a bit................ now I know it must seem like I am doing an awful lot of whining and focusing on the negative over here but my point is that there were many many times where it looked like this project was dead in the water, game OVER, better luck next time.. over. done. over.... and aside from our understandable discouragement at times... we never really believed that it was over... in fact even in the face of some really miserable obstacles (for instance a humongous garbage can completely melted to the underside of our car on day two) we believed that we would make it all the way to California..... and we did.

I have had to think long and hard about the project in terms of all of the "now whats" since we are far from our fundraising goal. While that part of the equation feels like failure- I am reminded that often times part of how we stand in our own way of finding meaning in what matters most is our inability to objectively look at how we define success. Now I know that what we did with the project financially thus far is not enough to allow for the studio to stay open, and that part stings...alot. But I also know better than to ever count anything out. Running on heART was an amazing journey that relied heavily on the help of many unfamiliar yet extraordinary people! During our travels we had countless genuine interactions with people and were able to share and listen to so many stories about how art and music have changed lives. We were also given the opportunity to inform so many people about how open art studios provide a stage for these types of experiences and how they benefit community members, especially those marginalized due to mental, physical, or socioeconomic differences.

We have had an overwhelmingly positive response to the project and there are tons of people interested in helping to continue to assist this studio. The support the studio needs may not come about quickly but I do believe that sometimes it is just as important to be a ripple in the pond that gets things going. Our efforts always matter and make a difference on some level to someone and to ourselves-probably more than we even know regardless of how critical our internal dialogue can be at times.

As it stands the open art studio continues to be scheduled to close at the end of the month. There may be a possible last minute closing event here in Chicago before the summer is up, but it is only a tiny tiny thought right now.

So Running on heART is just the first installment of a string of social activism events/projects that pair music and the visual arts together in order to advocate for programs and people in need. After attending the rally at the Thompson Center today it is possible that our work is far from done and we are even debating purchasing another "art car" for future events as we have already donated the original car in Laguna.

Please stay tuned, collaborate with us, donate, advocate, spread the word, reach out, care, etc etc- help keep the spirit of this project alive and well. If the studio closes those involved will only have to fight that much harder to get it back. Please remember how much this studio means to the participants and the people who were wise and brave enough to start it and believe in it. The Running on heART project has definitely reminded me that I have a few unshakable beliefs myself... I believe that that is better to have risked than to have never tried at all..I believe that when the good of people stand behind a worthy cause that that is all you really need and that eventually positive change will occur...I believe that silver linings can be disorientating but a necessary evil, I believe a touch of creativity paired with a bit of senselessness:) and heart will go further than most attributes typically associated with strength or power in matters that involve true value, I believe in the scraggliest of underdogs, and I believe in the power of art.

Thank you, thank you, thank you -to all who have helped support the Running on heART project!
Sarah

Running on heART : BLOG POST June 12th, 2009

2010-01-29T13:44:00.000-08:00

Boulder Believes in ART! Posted by Megan Raskey

After very little, but MUCH needed sleep at the Santa Fe Hotel, we were forced to get up and get going! However, we let the sock monkeys sleep in because they are SO Crabby in the morning! In route to Colorado, we were happy to hear that our trip would only be 6 hours today! Also, the weather in Santa Fe/Colorado was much more bearable than Dallas, which also lifted our spirits. Stopping at Subway for some “breakfast” I was amazed to find out that they offer guacamole for your sandwich! What a great idea! Only in Santa Fe!

As soon as we got in the car, it was time to do our Pod cast. Feeling anxious to tell the story of our near death experience from the night before, we were excited for today’s show. During our show we also discussed how I had thought that I saw a deer in Santa Fe. Yet, I was informed by our producer, Andy Hannon, that there are no deer in Santa Fe. So I think I may have discovered a new species? However there are some deer in Santa Fe…large plastic ones outside of a Gas N Go in the middle of nowhere. Twit pics to come of the newly discovered Santa Fe deer….By the way, I have never seen so many cows just roaming around for miles, and I began to wondering how do people keep track of them?...and if one got away, would anyone notice?

As the beautiful scenery went rolling by outside my window, we were eager to get to Boulder Colorado where we would be staying with my cousin Erin and her two kitties Jaxson and Max. For the first time of the entire trip, we did not get lost!!! Once we were ready for the event, we headed to Pearl Street of downtown Boulder. As soon as we were in route, Mother Nature made herself known once more. By the time we arrived at Band on the Bricks, it was a torrential downpour! Disheartened, we headed to The B Side Lounge to weigh our options. Here we were greeted by a familiar face! Our cousin Billy and his wife Salina joined us for some well earned Margaritas! After awhile, we decided that we would peruse the bar in search of the spirit of Boulder and make due with our weather situation.

Before long, the car was teeming with local Boulderites all ready to put their artistic print on the car! We even provoked the interest of a local photographer! It was very moving to see the way that everyone was willing to come out and support the cause. Realizing the long day ahead of us on Thursday, we were forced to pack up the paint and head for bed!
Special Thanks to The Bed and Breakfast of Erin Andrews- Best 2am whole wheat spaghetti in town! We are now off to Salt Lake City!

Running on heART : BLOG POST June 11th, 2009

2010-01-29T13:41:00.000-08:00

Santa Fe Believes in ART! Posted by Megan Raskey

We woke up this morning, rather reluctantly, at the Springfield Hyatt in Dallas. Knowing that Santa Fe was a good 11 hours away, we ate breakfast as fast as we could and got on our way! This trip in particular proved to be the hottest one yet! The temperature in Dallas was a stifling 95 degrees! Which meant that the inside of the car was about 199 degrees. After a much needed Slurpee stop, we picked up a barrel of ice and spent the remainder of the trip soaking in ice puddles….Due to the unbearable weather, we were forced to do our live radio Pod cast from the parking lot of the Nuttin Fancy Café known for their Fried Pork Chop Cobbler. Jake told them that he had driven all the way from Chicago for a taste, and tried to order some to go. However, they must have been out because they kept telling him they didn’t have any?

Continuing on our journey, we were anxious to get to Santa Fe where we were scheduled to arrive at the Cow Girl at 7pm. Who knew that a few missed exits later we would find ourselves at a gas station weighing the options about getting back on track to Santa Fe….do we trust the locals and drive up into the mountains to save a ½ hour? OR do we go back to the last missed exit and waste a half hour? Jake had another plan. His plan was to hide in the bushes and Cry since we had been lost all day and leaking mystery fluid while our service engine light flickered. After much persuading by Sarah and I, we decided to pull Jake out of the pushes and go with option B: Back Tracking…..This we thought we spare us from driving through the mountains in the pitch black night…..We were wrong.

At about 8:30pm, we were on our way back to the elusive exit and losing sunlight-Fast! We were already and hour and a half late for our event, and we still had an hour of driving ahead of us! Before long we realized the situation that was upon us. In the mountains, exhausted and deflated from a now 13 hour drive, we were still 40 miles outside of Santa Fe and it was pitch black the whole drive through the mountains! Many gasps of horror, a few fights, and one prayer later we FINALLY arrived at Hotel Santa Fe…..Jake got out and kissed the ground as Sarah and I raced to the hotel to check in and change as quick as possible.

We finally arrived at the Cow Girl at 11pm!!!!! Realizing our “punctuality” we took a quick look around and got to work. We were received very well as the patrons of the Cow Girl are very out going and enthusiastic. Before long we had inspired the entire bar to paint the car. The patrons at Santa Fe were perfect for this type of project!

We had people standing on car and even one guy who fell off and smashed his head on another cars bumper. He was fine, he was just a little covered in paint and what was left of his self esteem. Bill, one of the owners of the Cow Girl, even came out to make his mark! He also donated some stickers, a hat, and some thong unna-wears to the cause! Thanks Bill! By 2am, it was time to get home and get to the technical part of the event, editing video, and posting pics. We were So Tired!

Thanks Santa Fe for Believing in ART!!!! and we are off to Boulder!

Running on heART : BLOG POST JUNE 10th, 2009

2010-01-29T13:38:00.001-08:00

First 48 Hours! Posted by Megan Raskey

Just to recap…We kicked off the trip last night in Wicker Park at The Flatiron Arts Building! Thanks to all the artists who came out to help paint the car! The following morning we finally began our cross country journey at 7am! Since leaving Chicago we have hit a median, been rained on, had a few fights, a few laughs, and gotten lost (a few times) All in all it has been an adventure. However, I must say that when I signed on for this trip I was under the impression that we had AC, a CD player, directions, and at least a few hours of the day to sleep. I was wrong. I am getting the feeling that these minor details may have been left out on purpose.

Our first event started this afternoon in St. Louis. We were very excited and anxious to get started, but were beginning to realize that the weather did not share in our enthusiasm. Nevertheless, for the few hours that we were dry, we had a blast! Regardless of the threatening skies, we had many people interested in painting the car and getting involved. Even Brooke Foster and Rachael from the Turner Center art studio met us at the event to show their support. All in all it was a successful event. It is just too bad that mother nature had different plans…..But still, St. Louis believes in ART!

After leaving St. Louis, our journey continued on towards Kansas City MO where we were set to pair up with the Power and Lights District and their Blues Festival. Parked outside the Kansas City Chiefs arena, our event began. Emerged in the festivities, participants were feverishly working on all different parts of the car, anxious to share in the fun! We even managed to stir the interests of a couple of local firemen who were happy to show their support by allowing us to take pictures with their fire truck! Karen Willis, a woman living in Kansas City even approached us to share how art is the only thing in her life that has ever made her feel alive, and that she has used it for many years as a way to take care of herself while dealing with her depression.

After the event, we headed over to Raglan Road Irish Pub where we were greeted with excellent service and a well earned cold beer. Raglan Road by the way is one of the most impressive Irish Pubs we have ever visited and a definite must see! We were able to wrap up the event there while yet again being poured on! We headed back to our very welcoming and comfortable room at the Q Hotel and Spa and began editing! What a day.

Still Running on heART,
Megan

Running on heART : BLOG POST JUNE 7th, 2009

2010-01-29T13:30:00.000-08:00

Where your heART on your sleeve

Well it is over 24 hours into the Running on heART project and we are back in our room at the Q Hotel and Spa in Kansas City, Mo. WHERE TO START!!! Trying to plan 13 events across the country in less than a week is not only crazy...but it definitely is a simultaneous energizing and taxing experience. The week prior to the Project going live there were numerous anticipated ups and downs...and on many levels those elements continue to keep us on our free spirited toes. It has been really surprising to see where the support is coming from for the project and how unlikely some of our sources have been.

This project continues to be a learning experience for all of us involved and has consistently pushed us far our of our comfort zones. Visiting unfamiliar places and talking to strangers and trying to convince them to support not only the arts, but the populations they are benefiting. We have had to get really good at stomaching rejection one minute and in the next moment be present enough to enjoy an overwhelming amountof encouragement. It is interesting how the same things that nurture us can also deplete us at times.

I look at the three of us tonight...on 4 hours of sleep, being heavily rained on most of the day, driving 9 hours in a car with no AC, getting lost, getting minimal donations in some cities, and now watching the TV weather reporter who is updating us on the tornado warning here in Kansas City. I know this whole scenario seems bizarre to most people...and in many ways it is. Having said that, there is a bigger picture here. It becomes more about evaluating what is important to us and why. It becomes more about how do we spend our time and what do we invest ourselves in. For many people like ourselves, I think projects like Running on heART represent simple yet extraordinary beliefs. The belief that sometimes it is necessary to go to greater lengths or be willing to take risks to protect what is important not only to ourselves, but to us all.

Best,
Sarah and the Running on heART team

Running on heART : BLOG POST MAY 28th, 2009

2010-01-29T13:24:00.000-08:00

Ride this thing till the wheels fall off?

Well here goes nothing as we are almost one week away from our adventure to 13 cities in 7 days to raise awareness for open ART studios. As a therapist I am pretty far removed from anything internet related but since this is such a time sensitive cause and in need of so much support, in the last two weeks I have had to dabble in twitter, facebook, myspace, film editing, etc etc....and as of today my first blog! So bare with me as I am fumbling around with all of this:)

So far we have had only two weeks to work on the Running on heART project...but we do have a very lovable car that will let us drive it cross country while being decorated in every city! We will finally be donating our "art car" to a great cause once we reach California! (We have named the car Betty to ensure she will have several theme songs... including but not limited to Black Betty and Betty Davis Eyes:)

What else....Having had to throw so much together in such a short amount of time has been really challenging, but we know that this will benefit so many people and organizations! We are really excited and have already met so many amazing people who are willing to be a part of this crazy journey with us!!!

Please learn more and help support the Running on heART project by visiting:

http://www.giveforward.org/RunningonART

"I hope that my achievements in life shall be these -- that I will have fought for what was right and fair, that I will have risked for that which mattered, and that I will have given help to those who were in need... that I will have left the earth a better place for what I've done and who I've been."
-Art Hoppe