Miriam Women in Action

The Project!

In the past few Miriam Women in Action (MWA) meetings, we have talked about the desire to build a positive community and sense of connection with neighbors at the Miriam. No sooner had we mentioned our goal then the chance to make a huge impact on the Miriam arose; Miriam Women in Action has the opportunity to create a mural in the community room!

The History

A recent traveling mural, painted by Lakefront Case Managers, was so popular that it provided inspiration for something new and exciting at the Miriam. When staff related this positive experience to Miriam Women in Action, we knew this was just the kind of project that we were looking for.  We teamed up with Christine Makarewicz, the art therapist, to begin our own process of creativity and teamwork.

Before...

This space is currently a dark corner and dumping ground of an otherwise lively community room. But that was before Miriam Women in Action got a hold of it! It's just begging for a mural.

Creating the Vision

Themes for the Mural

Over a series of meetings the women explored their feelings and herstories. 

In order to find some common themes we asked a few questions to get the conversation started:

How would you like to portray the Miriam?
What does the Miriam mean to you?

What theme would you like for the mural?
What is the message  that you would like to get across?

This conversation was amazing and inspiring.
Here are just a few comments:

· The Miriam is about starting over again. We work with each other to help build each other up. We go through many trials and tribulations, but they are building blocks in our lives; stepping stones to use to better ourselves.

· There is so much diversity in the women. Everyone goes through different things at different times. There is a herstory. Stepping stones build toward each person's goals.

· Individuals work together to create change.

· The Miriam is unique because it’s an all women’s building.

· We all need help.

· We have to build one another up.

· I love me by making the right choices for myself.

· If you don’t like something, CHANGE IT!

From that conversation we began to get some ideas about possible themes:
You’re on your way
You’re getting there
Independent women’s housing
Peace, Happiness, and Joy
Truth, Honesty, Integrity
Miriam Women---They’ve got Class!!
Then to now—working on change
Old me/new me
Transformed!!
Positiveness and responsibility
Do what God wants you to
Peace and Transformation
New adjustments
Go forth and make a change!

A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words

Symbols

We reviewed the themes and ideas expressed at the last meeting.
Then we asked ourselves;

What symbols or pictures came to mind when we heard those ideas?

· A before and after picture- paint a picture of despair and loneliness
· Start out with a woman out on the streets and/or on a park bench and show her progression to the Miriam and happiness
· The Miriam is a place to help better yourself
· Show a woman going through the process of being on the streets; going through the shelters; talking to case managers; getting to the Miriam; and then in a business suit with a good job
· The KEY expresses a lot; PICTURE OF A KEY
· Have positive messages and inspiring words wrapping around a tree
· Homeless women carry the weight of the world on their backs
· Globe over her shoulder; baggage; bags; wrinkled clothing
· When you get the key the load is off; everything is lifted from you; you can stand up straight; iron your clothes
· Birds can lead the way
· Birds represent peace, freedom, and release
· There can be notes or messages along the way
· Stepping stones
· Make a story run through the picture

TITLE: Peace, Happiness, and Joy; Miriam Women-They’ve Got Class