Aurora Studio artists share healing in community

PAINTING A NEW DAWN: Aurora Studio members join founder Lori Greenberg (center) in creating a healing community that supports both making art and being well. Photo by Lisa Sarasohn

Aurora Studio founder Lori Greenberg says the artists displaying their work in Aurora’s Sept. 10-20 group show at Asheville Area Arts Council’s Grove Arcade Gallery (1 Page Ave., Suite 144) are some of Asheville’s “hidden treasures.”

Such treasures are hidden no more. The show, Aurora: A Healing Light, features artists whose mutual support sustains their psychological well-being, social stability and freedom from addiction.

The opening reception, 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, features Rita Zoey Chin, author of Let the Tornado Come (Simon & Schuster, 2014).

Chin will speak about how she resolved the debilitating panic attacks she suffered as an adult — anxiety rooted in family violence and teen years living on the street — through her creative process. Michael Gentry of Everyone Cooks will provide light refreshment.

The links between creative expression and psychological healing will also be the theme of a panel discussion at AAAC from 3:30-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Moderated by psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Johnson, the panel will include both Aurora Studio and other area artists.

Greenberg sees A Healing Light as a window through which people can discover not only Aurora Studio and its artists but also the healing process implicit in making art in community.

Infused with Greenberg’s enthusiasm, Aurora Studio has become a magnet for generosity. Well-wishers — including Jonas Gerard, BlackBird Frame & Art, Mountain Lights and Roots Hummus — have donated paint and paintbrushes, canvases, studio space and lunchtime snacks. BlackBird Frame & Art has volunteered framing for all the pieces in the AAAC Gallery exhibit.

Now numbering 10 members, Aurora Studio is at capacity and depends entirely upon volunteers to keep going.

Greenberg envisions additional community support allowing the program to stabilize and grow. She sees the project equipping more women and men to derive art from the difficulties they face, bonding with each other as they paint darkness into light on the way to greater well-being.

More info:

Aurora Studio

Exhibition: Aurora: A Healing Light

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About Lisa
Vive la France! The French edition of Lisa Sarasohn's The Woman’s Belly Book: Finding Your True Center for More Energy, Confidence, and Pleasure comes out in January 2016. Both here and there she writes about health, wellness, and body-centered spirituality.

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