Printmaking and the Power of Art
Michael Weatherly helps Eddie from the Matthew House with his printmaking project.
How Four Weeks of Printmaking Class with Michael Weatherly Helped Build Connections for the Men of Matthew House
Michael Weatherly discusses his exhibit with the men from Matthew House.
In May, the men of Matthew’s House were given the opportunity to participate in a four-week long printmaking class, lead by renowned local artist Michael Weatherly. Thanks to the Kaddatz Outreach Program, men who had never been exposed or able to try this art form were able to create art in a new way. What made the experience a memorable one was that after the men had completed their prints, each was then framed and put on display at the Kaddatz.
For the men to see their work on display in the gallery meant a lot to each of the men—especially as art holds healing powers unto itself. The class provided a chance for these men to explore and discover themselves through creativity and gave them new or additional coping skills that furthers the development of being able to express emotions, release stress in a healthy manner, and fight back the demons of anxiety and depression.
One of the other many benefits of the four-week program was the ability for the men of Matthew House to build their connections within their community. By participating in a variety of activities, honing a new skill at a job, or even volunteering, it helps the men to reintegrate with the outside world in a healthier way than they had been accustomed to in the past. Said one of the men, Mark, “It makes me feel good when I volunteer. Knowing that I have something to offer is a nice feeling.”