Cindy Westendorf (l-r), program coordinator, and Samantha Muccini, case manager, for the Amanda’s Easel art therapy program, with artwork created for “The Pearl Project” on display at the Middletown Arts Center on Jan. 19. Survivors of domestic violence created symbolic pearls as a way to share their personal stories of transformation from victim to survivor. LAUREN CASSELBERRY Symbolic pearls, crafted by survivors of domestic violence as part of the Amanda’s Easel art therapy program, washed up on the shores of the Middletown Arts Center for a reception on Jan. 19.
Forged from simple materials, plastic orbs decorated with paper flowers, magazine clippings and rhinestones, the items are imbued with their creators’ extraordinary resolve, a determination to progress beyond adversity.
“My journey from the darkness / And despair from the past / To the light and happiness / Of the present and future,” the description of one pearl, painted half black, read.
Others were simpler, a reminder, “Smile.”
Amanda’s Easel, a program of 180 Turning Lives Around, sponsored the project as therapy for the survivors and to raise awareness.
Program curator Cindi Westendorf explained the significance of the project.
“The most important thing about it is not the final products that are on exhibit but instead the process that went into the making of the pearls,” said Westendorf.
She said that Amanda’s Easel selected pearls as the image for the project because of their symbolism.
“The metaphor of a pearl and what happens during the process of becoming a pearl is similar to that of surviving domestic violence,” she said.
The creators carried this message into their projects as well, using symbolism to express hope or reflect on anguish.
One pearl contains marbles, which the creator of the piece said represent those who have hurt her as safely sealed away.
Westendorf said she hopes the project conveys several messages.
“First, that there is help out there to get out of a situation that is abusive and hurtful, and second, that there is a way to see the brighter side of it and a better way of life for women and children.” As an art therapist for 26 years, Westendorf said that she has witnessed the benefits that creative projects such as this can provide.
“I know the healing power of art, because graphic imagery gives you the opportunity to tap into trauma that has happened in your life without needing words,” she said.
“By using drawing, painting, sculpting and building, people are able to look at pain and suffering … in a unique way, and it gives them a different perspective by which to then develop coping skills and move on to a healthier way of living.”
Beyond visual arts, Westendorf said that Amanda’s Easel also uses dance movement therapy, music and play therapy.
“A combination of that approach, as well as verbal counseling, really gives people a good opportunity to get well,” she said.
“The turmoil that these families go through, hopefully by the time they are in counseling and in a healing process with us, they are on the other side of that abuse.”
According to a press release from the organization, last year’s exhibit, “Take a Walk in My Shoes,” was displayed all over Monmouth County and the Statehouse in Trenton.
For nearly 35 years, 180 Turning Lives Around has been serving men, women and children who have been affected by domestic violence and sexual assault in its community.
According to the press release, Monmouth County has one of the highest reported rates of domestic violence in the state.
Go to www.180nj.org for more information.