Artists for Trauma (AFT) held their Adaptive Artist Multi-Media Art show at the noted ENGEL & VOLKERS SOUTH BAY. This AFT fundraiser and public awareness event was a great introduction to this worthwhile charity and their mission to empower adaptive artists recovering from life altering trauma and who utilize healing through artistic platforms to expedite quality recovery and reinvention of their lives.
The Artists For Trauma Adaptive Artist Multi-Media Art Show featured artwork by talented inspiring artists, utilizing various artistic disciplines following their life altering traumas that resulted in a total life change due to paralysis, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and PTSD. This opening exhibition featured artwork by members such as Melissa Allensworth, Andrew Angulo, my “Live with Ford and Vida co-host Ford Austin, Richard Bell, Michael Hansel and Brandon Newcomer. 100% of All Art Sales proceeds benefit Artists for Trauma and the 5+ adaptive artists. AFT was founded by Laura T. Sharpe, who is a trauma survivor herself and selflessly wants to help other trauma survivors to be empowered, inspired and healed.
“We feel very blessed to have been embraced by Artists For Trauma and Laura Sharpe. We hope that with the support of AFT, we can shine a bright light of hope on the spirits of all trauma survivors and those overcoming PTSD,” said Ford Austin.
Ford’s loving wife, Lauree Dash, who was there for every step of his inspiring recovery, echoed his sentiments. “I’m so grateful to Laura and AFT. Laura was an inspiration and huge support in Ford’s recovery. She was an angel who paved the way for us showing us recovery was possible. She was a tangible example of the resiliency and the ability we all possess to heal. It is so vital to have a role model who shows you recovery is possible. The singing lessons AFT so generously provided Ford helped him regain his voice and helped his brain heal from his TBI. Engagement with arts provided a way for Ford to heal organically, and quickly,” she added.
It has been a privilege and honor to work with Ford Austin and his loving, supportive wife Lauree, from the early months of Ford’s near death, life altering traumatic car crash 5 years ago to his now inspiring and thriving quality of life recovery ; rich with empowerment and forward progress in his various artistic endeavors as a once again working actor, Lifetime member of the Actor’s Studio , Director, producer , writer and Artists for Trauma Ambassador. Artist for Trauma recognizes and respects the sacred trust of the individuals and families who partner with us in our integrative, healing through art programs during a most vulnerable period of their lives,” added Laura Sharpe.
Engel & Volkers Southbay was the main sponsor for this event. Additional sponsors were AFT, Buiced, Display Art Installation, ICCS, Moby Arts, Sharpe Interior Systems, and Top Shelf Concierge Services-Luxury Transportation. More info at http://www.artistsfortrauma.org/
Photos courtesy of Guillermo Proano/PR Photos and Michael Bezjian/Gettyimages
