Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Rose Salih.
Hi Sara, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. My favorite medium is abstract splatter paintings. I started participating and featuring my work in art shows throughout Dallas-Ft. Worth in 2018. By 2021 I began producing my own art shows-booking venues, artists, musicians, and vendors and coordinating events. At the same time, I was running an online support group for female survivors of sexual abuse. I really wanted to do more for these women. Eventually, I made the decision to combine and expand my art market business of The Usual Artspects to not only provide opportunities for artists and artisans, but the organization now helps survivors of sexual trauma as well.
The Usual Artspects operates as a non-profit organization where creativity meets healing. The proceeds from our art shows, vendor markets, and silent auctions go towards creating affordable healing programs for women who have survived sexual assault and trauma.
Our purpose is to create healing through art for female sexual abuse survivors. Our mission is to create advocacy, awareness, education, and resources for survivors through various art and social events.
Our vision for the future is to provide prevention education that promotes social change to end sexual abuse and design affordable artistic programs of healing for survivors. We will do this through diverse and self-expressive programs comprising art therapy, music/voice/sound healing, creative writing courses, martial arts/self-defense classes, and improvisational comedy.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think it’s all about perspective. Overall, it’s been smooth sailing, and when things get bumpy or certain opportunities or avenues are blocked, I take it as a sign to readjust. I really try to trust the process and be open to change because things aren’t always going to fall into the original plan or outline you imagined.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Executive Director of the non-profit organization, The Usual Artspects. We specialize in hosting art and vendor markets throughout the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. This fall we will be launching our first expressive healing art program for women who have been abused. I’m extremely proud to be doing this kind of work that can help transform the lives of those who have survived abuse.
I think what sets us apart is that our mission is dedicated to bringing art and healing together. The creative intervention has proven to foster powerful healing properties and a sense of well-being and can be a valuable tool to help trauma survivors address the often-unbearable pain in their lives.
Creating art in any form is a way to take your power back. It’s a way to express and release.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
My personal mission, and the mission of The Usual Artspects, is to shed some serious light on the disturbing statistics of female sexual abuse victims (which is 1 in 2 women in the United States), along with creating a safe community and artistic programs to help survivors cope and heal from the devastating psychological, emotional, and physical side effects of their abuse.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theusualartspects.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theusualartspectsdfw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theusualartspects
- Other: https://www.theusualartspects.com/donate
