Native American Influence Raises Spirits

Local Student Exhibits Artwork at Virtua Memorial Hospital, and Native American Influence Raises Spirits

When Tyquan, Stephanie, Corey and Jamir started an art project based on Native American culture and the healing power of spirits, the Garfield Park Academy students didn't imagine that their artwork would end up raising as many hopes and spirits as it did. But recently their work and that of fellow Garfield Park classmates was cheering patients, family members, and staff at Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly.

The art project, based on the students' reading of Black Elk Speaks, the life story of a Sioux medicine man, and The Gift of the Sacred Dog, by Paul Gobles, allowed the students to create symbols and talisman's that confer protection and healing on their makers and owners. They created their own inscribed walking sticks, boxes, small sculptures, and petroglyph drawings that Native American's used while hunting, traveling, or in battle to ensure safe passage and return.

When the work found an opportunity to be exhibited at the hospital, it found instant fans just where it was needed. "We were very happy to host the students' artwork," said Deborah Thompson, Virtua's Director of Volunteer Services. "The theme of the show made perfect sense for us, and the response to it here was really very positive."

"Not only did the project allow the students to learn more about Native American cultures, it helped them think about their own lives, and the lives of others, in terms of protection and healing," said Dr. Steven Morse, Director of Garfield Park Academy. "The fact that they also got to share that and see it work for others at Virtua was terrific."

Rahim Corey Wilson, left, and his brother Jamir, right, of Hamilton with their artworks at Virtua Memorial Hospital Gallery in Mount Holly. Rahim made one of the "dream horses" to his right. Cory made a walking stick that was included in the Virtua exhibition.

Nyquan Williams, of Marlton, with his artwork at Virtua Memorial Hospital Gallery in Mount Holly. Rahim made one the masks in the exhibition. His mask, depicting the likeness of a Moose, represents many things in Native American cultures, among them, value and integrity, self-esteem and strength of will.

Stephanie Vreeland, of Sicklerville, poses with her artworks at Virtua Memorial Hospital Gallery in Mount Holly. Stephanie made a butterfly box, one of several boxes exhibited at the Hospital. Butterflies represent many things in Native American cultures, among them the power of transformation and metamorphosis, and the wisdom of being carefree.

Left to right, back row, Garfield Park Academy students Rahim Corey Wilson and Jamir Wilson; middle row, Virtua Administrative staff member, Amy Cline, Garfield Park Academy staff member Tony Lorine, and Virtua Director of Volunteer Services, Deborah Thompson; and front row, students Nyquan Williams, and Stephanie Vreeland.