Devon Walls and Chester artists and healers, including Misty Sol, Van Buren Payne, India Famous on Jupiter, and Fatima Hafiz-Wahid, explored and expanded their creativity along with participants through a variety of artistic mediums--painting, fine arts, spoken word, meditation and yoga. Chester's dynamic diversity was celebrated through creative expressions which ultimately strengthened the fabric of the Chester community.
This series is made possible with funding from Wells Fargo.
Children’s Painting with Misty Sol and Devon Walls at MJ Freed Theater
Friday, Jul. 20, 2018
During this workshop, youth experienced the arts and humanities in the form of painting and self-expression while becoming mindful of arts’ therapeutic powers and exploring who they are and the differences they can make working with others. View photos here.
Senior Painting at the Chester Senior Center with Van Buren Payne
Monday, Jul. 30th, 2018
Seniors coupled artistic expression with skill-building as they worked with Van Buren Payne on connecting with the art of healing through humanities and cultivate calmness in contrast to the daily stressors they encounter. View photos here.
Fine-Art Making with Devon Walls at the Chester Made Makerspace
Wednesday, Aug. 8 & 15 , 2018
During this two-day workshop, participants learned the five P’s of marketing then used materials like papier-mâché and watercolor paint along with reclaimed materials to make mixed media, fine art work to be displayed at our culminating event on Sept. 8th. View photos here.
Spoken Word Workshop with India Famous on Jupiter at MJ Freed Theater
Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018
In times of healing, spoken word is an art form used by all to express themselves and offer encouragement to a neighbor in need. Emerging performers will showcase their pieces at our final holistic event happening on Sept. 8th. View photos here.
Yoga, Meditation and Celebration with Chester Healers
Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018
The Broken Pieces Series ended with a community-wide celebration at MJ Freed Theater. Workshop leaders ran classes throughout the morning and evening. Participants share d testimonials and presented their creations during a day of transformation, expression and community connection. View photos here.
About Our Facilitators
Dr. Fatima Hafiz has over 35 years of experience in teaching, facilitating groups and coaching professionals in education and the social services. This includes training citizens in the facilitation of community conversations that inspire, engage and cultivate actions that address familial and community violence and trauma using practices such as meditation and yoga.
India "Famous on Jupiter" Irvin is a spoken word artist and creator of Chester's The Jupiter Love Show, which has featured city poets sharing their lives and loves through poetry, song, comedy and music.
Devon Walls is artistic director of the Chester Made project where he provides artistic and educational direction and facilitates collaborations with local artists and leaders for inspirational programs that provide arts and humanities experiences for the city of Chester. He leads a local creative firm, The Artist Warehouse, and owns Brothers Restaurant and Juice Bar right around the corner from his gallery and theater space, MJ Freed Theater.
Supported by Wells Fargo and the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.
