Special Events – Page 4 – Brain Energy Support Team

Spring and Summer: Three Local Art Opportunities

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Kim Thompson

Posted in BEST Updates, Community News, Our BEST Stories, Special Events, Travel Adventures Leave a comment

Ah, for the love of art.

This spring and summer, the local community art scene has something to offer for everyone. Here are three opportunities for you to create, share, and celebrate art!

Create:

Create art every Wednesday at Our BEST Space in University Place, Washington.

Share:

Washington State BEST artists, share your art with the community this fall. See flyer below and click HERE to learn how YOU can participate.

Celebrate:

Celebrate the art of the Washington State brain injury community at the 11th Annual TBI Art Show.

Details below from the BIAWA website:

BIAWA is pleased to announce that our 11th Annual Brain Injury Art Show will be on display at the Seattle Art Museum from June 5th through July 22nd in the Community Corridor.
All are invited to the Opening Reception on Thursday, June 6th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm to celebrate the artists and their talents.

Reception Details-
When: Thursday, June 6th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Where: Seattle Art Museum
1300 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
*The Community Corridor is located on the first floor of the Seattle Art Museum and can be found off the South Hall entrance.
Cost: This event is free to attend. RSVP is required.

Art Show Details-
When: June 5th through July 22nd
Where: Seattle Art Museum in the Community Corridor
Cost: The Community Corridor is free and open to the public during Seattle Art Museum business hours. The rest of the museum does require a purchased ticket.
Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday & Friday-Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

RSVP to the Art Show Opening Reception here.

In Words and Pictures: Eastern Washington TBI Retreat May 2019

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Kim Thompson

Posted in BEST Updates, Brain Injury Awareness, Caregiver Matters, Community News, Our BEST Stories, Special Events, Travel Adventures Leave a comment

Liberty Lake (photo by Nick Mehrnoosh)

The spring trademark weather of bright blue skies and warm sunshine of Eastern Washington, beckoned a special group last weekend to relax, reflect, and recharge.

Our first TBI camping retreat was held from May 9 through May 12, 2019 at Liberty Lake Regional Park in Spokane County in Eastern Washington. The camping trip was designed to be a quiet, comfortable and safe space for brain injury survivors and their families to take in the beauty of nature, relax, socialize, and learn something new.

Campers enjoyed nature walks, arts and crafts, fireside support groups, a special guest speaker, and great eats and treats at a camp side barbecue.

For retreat organizer, Nick Mehrnoosh, it was amazing experience.

“The core of the retreat was friends, with and without a brain injury, who wanted to go camping together,” shared Mehrnoosh. “As we planned the retreat over several months, we designed it to be brain injury friendly. The schedule was flexible, the noise was minimal, food was kept healthy, and the area around Liberty Lake Regional Park was ideal for a relaxing experience.”

Mehrnoosh continues, “We had different activities each day, with campfire support circles at night. It was absolutely beautiful to watch those that have lived with a brain injury for quite some time, impart their experience and knowledge with those still navigating their brain injury.

On the last day of the retreat, we had a speech pathologist visit to talk about navigating social situations, and everyone was beyond engaged with the presentation. Afterward, there was a barbecue and we all made homemade ice cream.”

However, it was a single moment that really captured the essence of the retreat for Mehrnoosh.

“There was a moment when I looked around in amazement, and saw children playing, people laughing with one another, and others connecting for the first time. You would never have guessed that nearly everyone in attendance had some form of brain injury.”

Mehrnoosh is already thinking into the future for the next retreat.

“I and many others can’t wait for our next Eastern Washington TBI Retreat in May 2020,” he smiles.

If the pictures in the slideshow below are any indication, a good time was had by all.

Due to the success of this first retreat, the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) is looking to make this an annual event. Stay tuned for information about 2020 opportunities.

In the meantime, enjoy our photos by the lake.

BEST Artist Spotlight: Jennifer McCarthy

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Kim Thompson

Posted in BEST Updates, Brain Injury Awareness, Community News, Our BEST Stories, Special Events Leave a comment

The Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) is thrilled to be participating in a community art installation at the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) this fall.

Work will be displayed in Tacoma Art Museum’s TAM Local: Community Art Space for the Superhero show from October 16, 2019 to December 26, 2019.

We will have an opening reception Thursday, October 17, 2019 in the TAM Community Art Space.

In celebration of this upcoming event, we will be featuring a BEST Artist Spotlight monthly series on the BEST website blog to share just a few of our BEST artists.

The articles will be featured until our opening reception event.

In this series, we’ll share the thoughts and inspirations of BEST artists who have embraced art on their life’s journey.

This month, we are focusing our spotlight on BEST Artist, Jennifer McCarthy.

Here’s more on the artist.

____________________________________________________________________

Where does Jennifer McCarthy find her superpowers?

She finds them through music, art and words; even more so, she adores sharing these passions with others.

The Moses Lake, Washington resident blends music, art, and performance as a French and German language instructor at Big Bend Community College. Her language students engage with learning with singing songs; studies have shown that students learn better with music. She has also organized local “flash mobs” of singing foreign language students.

Jennifer also sings and performs on her own. Please check out her video below from a community talent show with her French adaptation of Bob Dylan’s song, Not Dark Yet.

To note, in the video, an artist is also creating a painting during Jennifer’s performance.

In addition to teaching and music, Jennifer loves to create art on canvas and paper.

Jennifer’s Connection to BEST: Jennifer is brain injury survivor, as well as supporting other brain injury survivors as a brain injury support group facilitator in Moses Lake. Jennifer obtained her brain injury in a car accident at age 14. She recovered, with the help of her loving family; however, at the time of her injury, there was not the kinds of support systems in place and awareness, as we have currently. Jennifer moved forward on her journey anyway, including completing school, studying abroad and obtaining her master’s degree in French. After moving from the East Coast with her husband in the year 2000 to Moses Lake, and then becoming a mom to two children, Jennifer began to learn more about her own brain injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and vision therapy. She was eager to share her story, share what’s she learned and offer support to others in the brain injury community.

She has now been a support group facilitator for 10 years.

Jennifer’s Connections to Art: Singing, music, painting, drawing, cooking, and crafting.

Jennifer’s Favorite Art to Create: “Music and singing. Singing is my favorite art form. Singing introduced me to possibilities and the possibilities in our own little worlds.

I just love to sing; when I am singing, I’m my true self.”

Theme of Jennifer’s Art: “I feel art is an outlet; a way for me to be me.

I’m attracted to bright colors, things that are loud and things that make a statement.

Love is also a theme of my art. Love and nurturing; whether I’m nurturing myself or others.”

Why Art is Special to Jennifer: “It’s a way to tell off trouble, naysayers and your own situation.

I also feel excited to create art, especially for others. For example, I created a picture for my young nephew in Massachusetts. I felt like I was channeling love when I did it.”

Jennifer’s Favorite Superhero Characteristics: “In my own immediate family, we refer to ourselves as superheroes. We celebrate the things were good at.

A superhero is someone who knows his or her own strengths. They use them to help themselves and others on their journey through life.”

To learn more about the community art installation program, the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM), and how you can participate as a local BEST artist, please click here.

Super Washington State News

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Kim Thompson

Posted in Brain Injury Awareness, Community News, Special Events, TBI Legislation Leave a comment

Recently, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee signed legislation (ESSB 5127) that will increase funding to support traumatic brain injury survivors across the state.

To learn more about the the bill, click here.

To view a video of the bill signing, click here.

To view photos of the bill signing, click here.

We applaud the hard work, advocacy and empowerment of the brain injury community in Washington State to bring about important change!

Adaptive Bicycling Day May 19, 2019 Tacoma, WA

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Kim Thompson

Posted in Community News, Special Events, Travel Adventures Leave a comment

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Kim Thompson

Posted in Brain Injury Awareness, Caregiver Matters, Education, Special Events Leave a comment

Brain health and wellness goes hand in hand with mental health.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are just a few of the facts about mental health:

Studies have shown that people with traumatic brain injuries are four times more likely to have mental health challenges.

Here are just a few links to start to learn more about mental health:

brainline.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Stamp Out Stigma

The Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) will continue to share additional resources, tools and information throughout the month.

BEST Superhero of the Month for April 2019

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Kim Thompson

Posted in BEST Updates, Brain Injury Awareness, Community News, Our BEST Stories, Special Events, Travel Adventures Leave a comment

It’s been two years since the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) began the BEST Superhero of the Month recognition award, and this month, April 2019, we have a first!

BEST will be honoring an entire TEAM of superheroes for our first team award.

We are thrilled to present the BEST Superhero of the Month Award for April 2019 to the team at the Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation (CCER), at the Northwest ADA Center, University of Washington.

The CCER helps organizations understand and develop strategies on how to employ and serve people with disabilities. Their mission is to promote access and inclusion for people with disabilities through education, collaboration, and connection to resources.

Please click here to learn more about the important work that the CCER does.

And speaking of important work, this team helps organize the annual Washington State TBI Conference.

Who are these amazing superheroes?

They are John McClure, Tammi Olson, Susan Dziedzic, Eva Larrauri, Sara Parrett and Christine Fowler.

Here’s what the team’s nominator had to say:

I know this is supposed to be a nomination of one special superhero, but the folks at CCER move and act as one when it comes to helping Washington State DSHS and the conference planning committee put together the annual Washington State TBI Conference. While it often feels like herding cats with all the different ideas, schedules, and challenges of working with a planning committee their patience, determination, humor, and continued support ensure that Washington is able to provide one of the best attended, diverse, and successful conference. Kudos and deepest appreciation to everyone, especially John McClure, Tammi Olson, Susan Dziedzic, Eva Larrauri, Sara Parrett and Christine Fowler!

Thank you to this superhero team for all that they do for the Washington State brain injury community, their caregivers and their families.

We so appreciate all that you do and all that you are!

YOU are the BEST.

Do you know a survivor, caregiver or community supporter who is putting the power in personal empowerment? Soaring to new heights? Doing cool things? Bringing superhero-size support to the brain injury community?

Nominate your superhero for the BEST Superhero of the Month for some superhero team recognition.

Click here to learn more.

Recap: Saying It Out Loud April 29, 2019 Tacoma

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Kim Thompson

Posted in BEST Updates, Brain Injury Awareness, Caregiver Matters, Community News, Education, Special Events, Travel Adventures Leave a comment

The Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) was honored to participate in the 2019 Saying It Out Loud all-day conference at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center on April 29, 2019 in Tacoma, Washington. The conference, now in it’s 18th year, was hosted by the Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Behavioral Health Administration’s (BHA) Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) educates participants on how to better serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and questioning plus communities.

Source: Flyer from event Facebook page.

The theme of conference was Beyond the Binary and focused on behavioral health.

BEST had the opportunity to share information, resources and great conversation about brain health and wellness, brain injury awareness, support, resources and more with many community members throughout the day.

BEST Executive Director, Gloria Kraegel, at the BEST Conference Exhibit Table (photo: K. Thompson)

Photo: K Thompson BEST Facebook page story 4/29/19.

Along with the beautiful spring sunshine streaming through the convention center windows, there was a spirit of care, support, and learning that was just as warm and lovely as the sun.

Thank you, Saying It Out Loud for the BEST day!

Superhero: Coming October 2019

Posted on April 26, 2019 by Kim Thompson

Posted in BEST Updates, Brain Injury Awareness, Caregiver Matters, Community News, Our BEST Stories, Special Events, Travel Adventures Leave a comment

What are superheroes made of?

Here are some words that come to mind:

Now, what if we had the opportunity to answer that question and explore the answers through art?

How would that look like?

Here are some examples:

The photograph above of the lion is the symbol of being brave. Brave is a superhero word, most definitely!

This painting above has vibrant colors. We could consider it bold (bold, just like a superhero).

Why are we talking about superhero characteristics?

Here’s why!

The Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) is thrilled and honored to share that we have that very opportunity coming this fall.

BEST is going to be participating in a community art installation at the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM). Work displayed in Tacoma Art Museum’s TAM Local: Community Art Space for the Superhero show from October 16, 2019 to December 26, 2019.

We will have an opening reception Thursday, October 17, 2019 in the TAM Community Art Space.

To learn more about the community art installation program and the museum, please click here.

We are calling all BEST artists throughout Washington State to share your art with us!

Here’s everything you need to know:

WHO: The Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) in partnership with the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM).

WHAT: A community art show at the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM). Work displayed in Tacoma Art Museum’s TAM Local: Community Art Space for the Superhero show from October 16, 2019 to December 26, 2019.

We will have an opening reception Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 5 pm to 7:30 pm in the Community Art Space at TAM.

BEST is seeking art from BEST Artists to share in the following forms: paintings, drawings, mixed-media collage, photography, 3D art, or sculpture.

WHEN: October 16, 2019 through December 26, 2019.

WHERE: Tacoma Art Museum (TAM), 1701 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, Washington.

WHY: What are the characteristics of a superhero? What it is about these traits that make superheroes special? The local artists of the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) explore these questions through their art, along with their personal stories of the journey forward after traumatic brain injury. We cordially invite you to join us to celebrate finding our own superpowers, individual empowerment and the ability to thrive through art and artistic expression.

Okay, BEST Artists, let’s see your creativity!

HOW: Here are the steps to get started:

Step 1: Look at the Need to Know section below first to review this project. Requirements met? Great! Move on to Step 2.

Step 2: Think about superheroes. What are the traits of a superhero that stand out to you?

Step 3: Decide how you would answer that question through your art (see words and examples above for a little inspiration).

Step 4: Create your art (or if you have a piece of art that is ready that you’d like to share, feel free to share that with BEST).

Step 5: Tell us about your art. Email Kim Thompson at kimt@brainenergysupportteam.org and let her know what kind of art you’d like to share for the show. Kim will assist you in answering your questions and providing additional information.

We can’t wait to hear about your work!

Need to Know:

BEST Artists, here’s what you need to know to participate!

1. Participating BEST Artists must be affiliated with the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) in one (or more) of the following ways:

a. support group participant

b. support group facilitator

c. volunteer

d. board member

e. Our BEST Space participant

f. BEST team member

g. Second Life (PEER Center/BEST) participant

h. BEST primary community partner/supporter/contributor

2. BEST artists must be a brain injury survivor, caregiver of a brain injury survivor or closely work with brain injury survivors in a support capacity.

3. Participating BEST artists must be a Washington State resident.

4. BEST artists will submit artwork to BEST via personal delivery to Our BEST Space in University Place, Washington, or by mail to the BEST mailing address on or before the submission deadline of Thursday, August 1, 2019, 5 pm.

5. BEST artists will provide an artist’s statement and specific details of the artistic medium and materials to BEST along with a photo of their work which may be used for promotional purposes.

6. BEST Artists must agree to have their work(s) displayed for the duration of the show which is October 16, 2019 to December 26, 2019.

7. BEST Artists will understand that BEST reserves the right to not accept an art submission for any reason.

8. BEST Artists understand that they are responsible for framing and having artwork display ready for any submitted artwork as appropriate and within the guidelines outlined by the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) that will be included in the instructions when you contact BEST.

9. For artists outside of the Greater Puget Sound area that wish to submit their work by mail, art must be prepared appropriately for mailing and sent to BEST at the following mailing address: Brain Energy Support Team 3800A Bridgeport Way W. #393 University Place, WA 98466.

10. Need assistance in submitting your work to BEST? Have any questions or concerns about getting your art ready? Please reach out to BEST (Kim Thompson at kimt@brainenergysupportteam.org) no later than July 1, 2019 for assistance. We are happy to help you!

11. If artists have 3D works (mixed media collage, sculpture, large works), artists must contact BEST with art project information (size, materials, weight and other pertinent details) at least FOUR WEEKS prior to the art submission deadline of Thursday, August 1, 2019 5 pm. To note, due to space limitations and other guidelines established by TAM, these pieces of artwork must be approved by BEST and TAM in partnership first before submission to the show.

12. After the show, artists are welcome to display their works at Our BEST Space in University Place, Washington, for a time duration that they choose. If the artist would like their work returned to them right after the show, they will need to specify this preference to BEST any time after December 27, 2019. If artists wish to have their work returned, it will be available for pick-up after December 27, 2019 during BEST Space hours of operation or BEST will return works by mail to the artist if requested and the cost is reasonable and sustainable (large and/or heavy works, sculptures or other 3D art will not be eligible for return mail).