I’m not sure if the headline describes my recent Color Out the Darkness Workshop or the six lovely young women who participated in it. Probably both! This was truly an unforgettable evening, filled with the warmth, laughter and love of enduring friendship.
August 14, 2015 marked dancer and Calvin student Megan Heeringa’s 20th birthday. To celebrate, her mother Chelly, a fan of my artwork, wanted to give Megan something she’d remember for years to come. Chelly wasn’t 100% certain of what that would be, only that it would be special if it included her closest friends and some sort of creative expression. She considered a group painting session. However, when she was visiting the Carol Roeda studio website, she noticed the Color Out the Darkness tab. She clicked on it and read about my Art Prize entry entitled Color Out the Darkness and at the bottom of the page, a mention of workshops by the same name.
When she read the following description, Chelly shared the idea with Megan.
In Carol’s workshops, participants create art that is both mindful and collaborative.They talk, share, and, together, color away the darkness, both figuratively and literally. Participants can use this method of collaborative coloring to work alongside others – a child, a sick friend – in situations when art can take the place of words.
Megan had a few reservations about the workshop. She didn’t want it to be sad. When we spoke about what happens in my workshop, I assured Chelly and Megan that the workshop would be as upbeat or mellow as the participants wanted it to be. If the girls preferred to keep it lighthearted and positive in nature, I’d do my best to keep it fun and entertaining – as well as meaningful. That was all Chelly and Megan needed to hear! We set the time and place and Megan invited her friends. The girls went to Kenowa Hills High School and were on the school dance team together. These young women were especially important and loved by Megan, as they have been by her side, physically and emotionally, since she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in January 2013 – her senior year in high school. Since that day, it’s been quite a journey for Megan. Two induction rounds of chemo and no remission, first bone marrow transplant failed, relapse led to second bone marrow transplant and another relapse which led to a condition where the body was attacking itself. Megan was in ICU in Ann Arbor for 4 1/2 weeks. In the midst of that, she was determined to be cancer free. After Megan woke up, she went through extensive rehab. She says, “It was difficult to lose my independence. My friends were all at college and living on their own. I couldn’t even do basic stuff! But they’ve been there through everything. They’re amazing beyond words!”
Here’s a step-by-step of what happens in the Color Out the Darkness Workshop, once everyone is seated comfortably and introduced to the Leader/Coach, Carol Roeda.
- A blank spiral-bound book of black paper and 6-in. diameter circles cut from black tar paper are shared with the group as the Coach explains the process of coloring out the darkness while creating a book of artwork and quotes for the selected recipient. (In this workshop, it was Megan.)
- To color the circles, participants are told they’re free to use any of the brightly colored pencils on the table. They’re also free to express themselves in patterns and designs of their choice – lines, dots, squigglies, zigzags, flowers, animals, whatever they “feel” like drawing and coloring at the moment. The Coach (me!) is there to suggest and advise. I’ll even color if the group wants me to or take a few photos of them at work. (Be sure to check out the photos below!)
- The initial circles colored are most often a collaborative effort. Each participant starts coloring a circle and then passes it on to another person to express his or herself. Each person “touches” each circle. Once the group agrees they’re complete, the circles are hung for all to view. The results are absolutely incredible in every workshop I do, no matter who is participating or why we’re doing the workshop. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when we work together.
- While every one is busy coloring and chatting – no rules about being silent or noisy – the Coach shares a collection of printed quotes with each individual. As they read ‘em, they’re asked to select two favorites to include in the finished book. If you wonder what the quotes are about, they’re about everything that matters — life, love, confidence, courage, creativity, hope, faith, friendship, patience, peace, dreams, and much more. I’m always on the lookout for fabulous quotes and according to Megan and her friends, the quotes were awesome!
- Once the quotes are selected (no duplicates allowed), the group is usually ready to color another circle. Some choose to color their own while others prefer the collaborative approach. I’m okay with either approach at this stage.
- Additional circles are added to the completed circles on display — and then, the group selects their faves for the book. Megan’s group did such a phenomenal job, it was tough for them to choose only six circles!
- Compiling the book: Selected colored circles are glued on left-hand pages while black paper sleeves are glued on facing pages. The quote cards are placed in the sleeves. At this point, the book can be titled and participants can sign and date it — or not. It’s totally up to the group.
Girls busily coloring out the darkness during workshop.
At the close of the workshop, I invite conversation about the coloring, the feelings associated with the exercise, and the finished book. I encourage photos as well as hugs, smiles, and laughter. One person walks away with the tangible gift of a one-of-a-kind book. That’s wonderful, but it’s my hope every participant leaves with a renewed appreciation of working collaboratively, a sense of accomplishment and the inspiration and confidence to color out the darkness in life through creative expression.
Megan says, “All of us thought the workshop was awesome and the book is the coolest thing! Some of the quotes were just perfect like the one of lyrics to a song we danced to in high school. We had so much fun. I am going to cherish the book forever. I’d recommend this workshop to anyone with a similar journey to my own or even to celebrate a birthday with close friends.” Megan’s parents agree, the book is beautiful and the quotes make it even more special. Chelly says,“It was good to see the girls so excited and bubbly about the workshop and the book. It’s really an ageless, timeless exercise and I would recommend it to others. I wish we would have known about it when Megan was in the hospital. As a teenager, there’s not a lot of activities to connect to at a children’s hospital. Most of what happens is geared to younger kids.”
If you’re interested in hosting a Color Out the Darkness Workshop, contact me for details. I’ve held workshops for children with cancer, adults with chronic illnesses, women’s groups, writing groups, book clubs, corporate teams, non-profit staffs, and more.
Color Out the Darkness : with Carol Roeda 