Over a month, time was spent at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee, engaging women in recovery and restorative justice programs. Participants shared their healing stories through portraits, leading to gratitude and self-reflection. This experience empowered voices, fostering healing and hope, culminating in an upcoming exhibit titled SOBR. Continue reading SOBR
The series explores Northern Ireland’s journey toward healing after the Troubles, highlighting conversations with artists, educators, and peacebuilders. Despite ongoing tensions since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, these individuals use creativity to foster dialogue and rebuild trust. Each week features interviews and reflections, offering insights into reconciliation and the human spirit. Continue reading The Troubles
We are sharing stories of addiction and recovery to inspire hope and healing. Recently, a public studio was established at a recovery event in St. Cloud, organized by the Recovery Community Network, featuring peer support, a meal, and entertainment. Thanks to the Minnesota State Arts Board for their support in this initiative. Continue reading SOBR
A Peace of My Mind is launching a fall fundraiser to support its growth and upcoming projects in 2026. The organization has expanded operations, upgraded equipment, and initiated new storytelling endeavors. Donations are crucial for sustaining and enhancing these efforts, as new content creation is not revenue-generating. Support from donors shapes the future of the initiative. Continue reading Help A Peace of My Mind Continue Its Impact in 2026
I spent a good part of the summer in the north of Ireland. It’s a beautiful country filled with lovely people, who spent three decades at the end of the last century at odds. In true, understated Irish fashion, they called their season of sectarian violence The Troubles, and in those years, more than 3,700 people were killed, 50,000 wounded, and an entire nation was … Continue reading A Cautionary Tale
In Northern Ireland, we coordinated several studio days in different locations around the country. We wanted to hear stories of healing in the wake of their sectarian violence known as the Troubles. As we often do, we partnered with existing groups who are already doing good work on the ground in an effort to amplify voices of hope and healing. We partnered with the Women … Continue reading Northern Ireland studio
Over the weekend I attended a film screening in Michigan for a documentary project called Impossible Conversations. In some ways it was an introduction. In others, it was a reunion. The film was created in partnership by London-based filmmaker Pratap Rughani and Michigan-based filmmaker David Chung. I’d met with Pratap by Zoom recently and explored some common themes in our work. This was a chance … Continue reading Impossible conversations
1000 to 1 Once upon a time, in a place that shall remain nameless, it finally happened. One of my exhibits was vandalized. Someone—apparently—took exception to the message in one of the stories and they chose to respond by writing a contrary message in sharpie across the photo panel. I won’t name the place where it happened, because it could have happened anywhere. It’s one … Continue reading 1,000 to 1
A Peace of My Mind’s work happens in seasons. We gather stories, we edit stories, and we share stories. Most often, the lines are blurred and we do all of those things all of the time, but one of those things always leads the way, and those seasons shift. During the pandemic, we were on the road for two and a half years. Most of … Continue reading Seasons
Earlier this month I attended a sober powwow on the Fond du Lac reservation. A celebration of recovery rooted in tradition and culture. We set up our studio and asked, “What has helped you move toward healing?” Also there, was Randell Sam, who I met a few years ago and interviewed him about his recovery and his work helping others find their way toward healing. … Continue reading Sober powwow
