Expressive Arts Program
One aspect of the Birch Tree Communities Rehabilitative Day Program is to integrate artistic components such as painting, drawing, creative writing, and music into the recovery process. Founded more than 20 years ago, the Expressive Arts Program continues to grow and teach our members fundamental principles of the arts.
Birch Tree Communities believes the artistic experience helps the individual in many areas of their life. The artistic experience creates a level playing field in which to communicate with others, enhances self-confidence and self-esteem, and allows individuals to express emotions and thoughts in a safe and powerful way.
Beyond building within the individual, the expressive arts program provides a way to building a bridge to the community. Through the past 20 years, our artists have sold more than $200,000 in art, photography, poetry, and music. Hundreds of paintings hang in homes and businesses all over the state.
Kristin Calderhead began as the Art Director at Birch Tree Communities in March 2023. She travels regularly to each branch teaching new skills, encouraging artistic expression, and doing a wide range of projects with members. She also provides private lessons for members that are interested in enhancing their skills or working on special projects.
Kristin has 17 years of experience as a public-school art teacher. She received a Master of Art Education from Harding University and is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA). She has also received training from the Chicago Center for Creative Arts and Expressive Arts Florida. She enjoys traveling and teaching expressive arts in underprivileged schools when she has the opportunity.
2024 Expressions Art Show & Sale
Thank you to the amazing sponsors of the 18th Annual Expressions Art Show held on April 18, 2024 at The Hall. The support for the art show was phenomenal, and Birch Tree Communities and its members are sincerely grateful for each of the sponsors.
With the help of an extraordinary art director, members of Birch Tree Communities put tremendous effort into the art throughout the year, and sales of the beautiful pieces were proof of that hard work. All proceeds from the sales of art went directly to the artists, which will help members with their journey to a more independent and satisying life in the community.
Paintings
Poetry
Power Surges
It’s never seen by those hold the power
How they dim the freedom’s light
oppressing others because of ‘business’
and hoarding wealth just isn’t right
All who serve God of abundance
Despite themselves do fail to see
So long as anyone is needy
There never will be liberty
Yet at the thought that we may ‘prosper’
The rich do issue battle cries
And the poor who provide the soldiers
Watch their children fight and die
Watch their children fight and die.
– Harry B.
Hair
Your hair catches my attention,
Blowing in the wind
Glowing in the sunlight.
I’m dreaming of things that I
Can’t mention.
Your hair captures my attention.
I’m thinking
There’s more
I’ll never get to see
You’ll never share
That much with me
I see you walking at a distance
Or riding by
Looking so carefree
And you’d never notice me.
I’m just a stranger,
Attracted by your hair. And I’d bet.
That you don’t care
If you had no
Hair
At all.
Matthew 10:30
1 Corinthians 15:19
Hebrews 11:1
1 Corinthians 1:5,23,27
– Harry B.