Behind The Scenes

Trauma of any kind can take a toll on anyone. To the rescue: Art of the Phoenix, an outreach program at The Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach which “provides art classes and counseling techniques in a safe space that gives students ages 11-18 who have experienced past trauma methods to face their feelings and challenges in healthy ways.”

The result: amazing artwork showcased in “Art of the Phoenix” exhibit, on display at the center May 21-June 9 with an opening reception at 5 p.m. May. 20. 

The program, which began in 2015 in partnership with the Human Trafficking Coalition of the Palm Beaches to help teens and young adults dealing with trauma from human trafficking, expanded in 2019 to include others who have experienced past trauma from any circumstance.

“The mission of the Art of the Phoenix program is to provide art classes and counseling techniques in a safe space that gives students who have experienced past trauma methods to face their feelings and challenges in healthy ways,” explains the website. “Students will explore self-expression in a nurturing, professional and creative environment with non-threatening exercises while gaining confidence to face life’s challenges. The weekly classes, taught by a professional artist/teacher and an art therapist or licensed mental health therapist includes lessons in dealing with anger, building self-esteem and forgiving others.”

For more information, visit armoryart.org.