{"id":76131,"date":"2025-01-14T16:03:16","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T21:03:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/?p=76131"},"modified":"2025-02-12T12:29:21","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T17:29:21","slug":"during-stressful-times-these-women-help-women-heal-through-art","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/during-stressful-times-these-women-help-women-heal-through-art\/","title":{"rendered":"During Stressful Times, These Women Help Women Heal Through Art"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class='storyblock storyblock-normal'>\r\n<div id=\"block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8\" class=\"block-hero  tall-landscape\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"hero-image\">\r\n                    <div class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Amy_Simon.jpg\" alt=\"\"  \/>\r\n                <div class=\"hero-subheading below subheading-xl {{ black }}\">Amy Simon leading a painting class with women in New York City. (Photo Courtesy of Amy Simon)<\/div>\r\n                \r\n            <\/div>\r\n                \r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \r\n    \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.block-hero {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.block-hero .hero-image {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.block-hero .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.tall-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 6;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.short-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 9;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.offset-personality .hero-content {\r\n        display: flow-root;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.offset-personality .intro-text {\r\n        float: right;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.offset-personality .hero-image {\r\n        float: left;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        margin: 1rem;\r\n        margin-left: 0rem;\r\n        max-width: 320px;\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 1219px) {\r\n        #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.centered-portrait img {\r\n            aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 1220px) {\r\n        #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.centered-portrait .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.centered-portrait .hero-image img {            \r\n            aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 764px) {    \r\n        #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.small-square .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.centered-portrait .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8.small-square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8 .hero-subheading {\r\n        \/*position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);*\/\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n        font-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8 .hero-subheading.overlay.white {\r\n        color: white;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8 .hero-subheading.overlay.black {\r\n        color: #212529;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8 .hero-subheading.overlay {\r\n        color: white; \r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);   \r\n        z-index: 100;   \r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n        text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8 .hero-subheading.below {\r\n        margin: 0.5rem 0 0 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8 .hero-subheading {\r\n        text-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8 .hero-subheading.subheading-sm {\r\n        font-size: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8 .hero-subheading.subheading-xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8 .hero-subheading.subheading-2xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.25rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8 .hero-subheading.subheading-3xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8 .bottom-centered {\r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_41d4f85b1aac1a3b5ac4a531828bc8f8 .below {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n        bottom: 0;    \r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n    }\r\n<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Melissa Baez is an artist and <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/hayley-santell-madi-apparel\/\">domestic violence<\/a> survivor. The <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/lovern-gordon-love-life-now\/\">abuse<\/a> she endured for six years was so devastating that the attempt to leave resulted in her abuser threatening \u201cto end my life,\u201d she says. Thanks to support from her family and the law, Baez eventually escaped the situation and in 2020 started therapy. It was during this time that she came up with an idea that might bring healing to&nbsp;other women who\u2019ve been in similar situations \u2014 and it involved the power of <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/laura-connelly-wall-art-by-stellar-villa\/\">art<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOnce I finished with therapy, which was about two years, I felt like I was ready to launch and make my dreams become a reality,\u201d says Baez, 32, a former elementary and middle school art teacher who is originally from the Dominican Republic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In December 2023, Baez took $7,000 in savings and launched <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sugarmely\/?hl=en\">Colors in the Dark<\/a>, a painting studio located in Brooklyn, New York&#8217;s artsy Dumbo neighborhood that offers painting classes for women of all ages. The concept behind the name stems from the idea that a person has colors and brightness within them, but they sometimes fall into a dark place, she says. Art can help them shine through again.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class='storyblock storyblock-normal'>\r\n<div id=\"block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c\" class=\"block-hero  small-square\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"hero-image\">\r\n                    <div class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Melissa_Baez.jpeg\" alt=\"\"  \/>\r\n                <div class=\"hero-subheading below subheading-xl {{ black }}\">Melissa Baez. (Photo Courtesy of Melissa Baez)<\/div>\r\n                \r\n            <\/div>\r\n                \r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \r\n    \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.block-hero {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.block-hero .hero-image {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.block-hero .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.tall-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 6;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.short-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 9;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.offset-personality .hero-content {\r\n        display: flow-root;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.offset-personality .intro-text {\r\n        float: right;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.offset-personality .hero-image {\r\n        float: left;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        margin: 1rem;\r\n        margin-left: 0rem;\r\n        max-width: 320px;\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 1219px) {\r\n        #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.centered-portrait img {\r\n            aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 1220px) {\r\n        #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.centered-portrait .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.centered-portrait .hero-image img {            \r\n            aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 764px) {    \r\n        #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.small-square .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.centered-portrait .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c.small-square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c .hero-subheading {\r\n        \/*position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);*\/\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n        font-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c .hero-subheading.overlay.white {\r\n        color: white;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c .hero-subheading.overlay.black {\r\n        color: #212529;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c .hero-subheading.overlay {\r\n        color: white; \r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);   \r\n        z-index: 100;   \r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n        text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c .hero-subheading.below {\r\n        margin: 0.5rem 0 0 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c .hero-subheading {\r\n        text-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c .hero-subheading.subheading-sm {\r\n        font-size: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c .hero-subheading.subheading-xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c .hero-subheading.subheading-2xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.25rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c .hero-subheading.subheading-3xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c .bottom-centered {\r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b0137a1db97a9625ef9ed2e602e1bb4c .below {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n        bottom: 0;    \r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n    }\r\n<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Keeping an internal bright light on may seem difficult for women in the U.S. as they face challenges ranging from <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/pay-gap-lawsuit-says-disney-owes-women-employees-over-150-million\/\">pay-gaps<\/a> to policies <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/how-reproductive-restrictions-impact-single-mothers-by-choice\/\">restricting their reproductive rights<\/a>. The impacts of this can cause high levels of stress, which is more common in women than it is in men, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/news\/press\/releases\/stress\/2010\/gender-stress.pdf\">American Physiological Association<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But studies show that art can be a powerful tool in the healing process. Almost <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/news-room\/news-releases\/new-apa-poll-americans-who-engage-in-creative-acti\">half of Americans<\/a> use creative activities to help relieve anxiety and stress, and studies show that people who do these activities <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paintandsiplive.com\/blog\/cognitive-benefits-of-painting-how-a-painting-class-helps-your-brain\">have a lower risk of developing cognitive issues<\/a> like memory loss. The Story Exchange interviewed Baez and two other women using their passion for art to help others thrive during difficult times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-helping-relieve-stress-depression-and-everything-in-between\"><strong>Helping Relieve Stress, Depression and Everything in Between<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Amy Simon, an educator and artist living in Queens, New York, opened <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allureartstudio.com\/\">Allure Studio<\/a> in April 2019, a few months before her 69-year-old father unexpectedly died. Then two years later, her older sister, who was \u201clike a second mother to me,\u201d died from cancer, she says. Dealing with depression and grief following the losses, she took the time to ask herself what made her happy. The answer: painting, and teaching others how to paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the day her father was cremated, for instance, Simon decided to paint a childhood photo of herself as a little girl sitting on his lap at church. While healing is a \u201cconstant journey,\u201d painting felt like a remedy. \u201cIt does help and it does heal,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class='storyblock storyblock-normal'>\r\n<div id=\"block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2\" class=\"block-hero  tall-landscape\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"hero-image\">\r\n                    <div class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  \/>\r\n                <div class=\"hero-subheading below subheading-xl {{ black }}\">Amy Simon hosting a painting event at Allure Studio. (Photo Courtesy of Amy Simon)<\/div>\r\n                \r\n            <\/div>\r\n                \r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \r\n    \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.block-hero {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.block-hero .hero-image {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.block-hero .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.tall-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 6;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.short-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 9;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.offset-personality .hero-content {\r\n        display: flow-root;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.offset-personality .intro-text {\r\n        float: right;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.offset-personality .hero-image {\r\n        float: left;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        margin: 1rem;\r\n        margin-left: 0rem;\r\n        max-width: 320px;\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 1219px) {\r\n        #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.centered-portrait img {\r\n            aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 1220px) {\r\n        #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.centered-portrait .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.centered-portrait .hero-image img {            \r\n            aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 764px) {    \r\n        #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.small-square .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.centered-portrait .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2.small-square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2 .hero-subheading {\r\n        \/*position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);*\/\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n        font-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2 .hero-subheading.overlay.white {\r\n        color: white;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2 .hero-subheading.overlay.black {\r\n        color: #212529;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2 .hero-subheading.overlay {\r\n        color: white; \r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);   \r\n        z-index: 100;   \r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n        text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2 .hero-subheading.below {\r\n        margin: 0.5rem 0 0 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2 .hero-subheading {\r\n        text-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2 .hero-subheading.subheading-sm {\r\n        font-size: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2 .hero-subheading.subheading-xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2 .hero-subheading.subheading-2xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.25rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2 .hero-subheading.subheading-3xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2 .bottom-centered {\r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_f8675deedf06f1fd42985843163754b2 .below {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n        bottom: 0;    \r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n    }\r\n<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In her studio, which cost $20,000 to launch, Simon and her six staff help run three painting events each week that are often attended by millennial women. Much of the art in her studio focuses on Black culture, something she rarely saw when attending events at other painting studios. Like Baez, Simon had inner light in mind when she named her business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYour creative light is really your &#8216;allure&#8217;\u2026that brings people into you,\u201d says Simon, 37, who previously created a community art program for children and had an art exhibit focusing on Black men. \u201cPainting, and more specifically just art, is really a powerful tool for our mind, our body, our soul, our spirit to impact other people.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class='storyblock storyblock-normal'>\r\n<div id=\"block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71\" class=\"block-hero  small-square\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"hero-image\">\r\n                    <div class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-3.jpg\" alt=\"A young girl posing with her painting after attending an event at Allure Studio. (Photo Courtesy of Amy Simon)\"  \/>\r\n                <div class=\"hero-subheading below subheading-xl {{ black }}\">A young girl posing with her painting after attending an event at Allure Studio. (Photo Courtesy of Amy Simon)<\/div>\r\n                \r\n            <\/div>\r\n                \r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \r\n    \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.block-hero {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.block-hero .hero-image {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.block-hero .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.tall-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 6;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.short-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 9;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.offset-personality .hero-content {\r\n        display: flow-root;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.offset-personality .intro-text {\r\n        float: right;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.offset-personality .hero-image {\r\n        float: left;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        margin: 1rem;\r\n        margin-left: 0rem;\r\n        max-width: 320px;\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 1219px) {\r\n        #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.centered-portrait img {\r\n            aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 1220px) {\r\n        #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.centered-portrait .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.centered-portrait .hero-image img {            \r\n            aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 764px) {    \r\n        #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.small-square .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.centered-portrait .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71.small-square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71 .hero-subheading {\r\n        \/*position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);*\/\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n        font-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71 .hero-subheading.overlay.white {\r\n        color: white;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71 .hero-subheading.overlay.black {\r\n        color: #212529;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71 .hero-subheading.overlay {\r\n        color: white; \r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);   \r\n        z-index: 100;   \r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n        text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71 .hero-subheading.below {\r\n        margin: 0.5rem 0 0 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71 .hero-subheading {\r\n        text-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71 .hero-subheading.subheading-sm {\r\n        font-size: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71 .hero-subheading.subheading-xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71 .hero-subheading.subheading-2xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.25rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71 .hero-subheading.subheading-3xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71 .bottom-centered {\r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_757200a0127922ac4b8d47b08e308b71 .below {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n        bottom: 0;    \r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n    }\r\n<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n<p>For Baez, many of the customers who come through Colors in the Dark studio are Black and Latina women dealing with domestic violence, she says. There is also a \u201csense of overwhelm\u201d among women, especially those coming from immigrant families, due to their fear over President Donald Trump\u2019s reelection and how it can impact their lives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Women \u201cfeel like they can\u2019t really speak up [about domestic violence] because of their immigration status,\u201d Baez says. \u201cIn our space, I try my best to encourage them to speak up,\u201d by finding outlets where they can express themselves, she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class='storyblock storyblock-normal'>\r\n<div id=\"block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d\" class=\"block-hero  tall-landscape\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"hero-image\">\r\n                    <div class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image000001-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  \/>\r\n                <div class=\"hero-subheading below subheading-xl {{ black }}\">Melissa Baez (far bottom left) with a group of women who attended her Colors in the Dark painting event. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Baez)<\/div>\r\n                \r\n            <\/div>\r\n                \r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \r\n    \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.block-hero {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.block-hero .hero-image {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.block-hero .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.tall-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 6;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.short-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 9;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.offset-personality .hero-content {\r\n        display: flow-root;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.offset-personality .intro-text {\r\n        float: right;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.offset-personality .hero-image {\r\n        float: left;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        margin: 1rem;\r\n        margin-left: 0rem;\r\n        max-width: 320px;\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 1219px) {\r\n        #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.centered-portrait img {\r\n            aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 1220px) {\r\n        #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.centered-portrait .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.centered-portrait .hero-image img {            \r\n            aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 764px) {    \r\n        #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.small-square .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.centered-portrait .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d.small-square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d .hero-subheading {\r\n        \/*position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);*\/\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n        font-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d .hero-subheading.overlay.white {\r\n        color: white;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d .hero-subheading.overlay.black {\r\n        color: #212529;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d .hero-subheading.overlay {\r\n        color: white; \r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);   \r\n        z-index: 100;   \r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n        text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d .hero-subheading.below {\r\n        margin: 0.5rem 0 0 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d .hero-subheading {\r\n        text-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d .hero-subheading.subheading-sm {\r\n        font-size: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d .hero-subheading.subheading-xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d .hero-subheading.subheading-2xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.25rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d .hero-subheading.subheading-3xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d .bottom-centered {\r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_3b606821bcf3d534592dd9ff72f8cc0d .below {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n        bottom: 0;    \r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n    }\r\n<\/style><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"block_af922969cde53ca8e66aea461e8da306\" class=\"wp-block related-post alignwide\">\n      <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"section-title\">\n      <h4>Related<\/h4>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"post-wrap\">\n              <div class=\"thumbnail\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/mother-nation-norine-hill-native-american-women-heal-trauma\/\" class=\"post-image-link\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/22215938\/NorineWEB_noplay-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mother Nation Helps Heal Native Women\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/22215938\/NorineWEB_noplay-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn1.thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/22215938\/NorineWEB_noplay-45x45.jpg 45w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"entry-text\">\n          <h3 class=\"post-title\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/mother-nation-norine-hill-native-american-women-heal-trauma\/\">\n              A Survivor Uses Sweat Lodges, Talking Circles and Dream Catchers to Bring Healing to Native Women\n            <\/a>\n          <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<p>In Roslyn, New York, Deborah Adler of Creative Arts Therapy has been working with clients who are dealing with grief, depression and other emotional challenges. Over the course of her 30-year career as an art therapist, Adler, 55, estimates she has worked with at least 600 women, typically using clay, drawing and other forms of creative expression. One client saw her consistently for nine years following the loss of her mother. Another longtime client, an elderly woman who had a stroke, came to Adler for art therapy until her death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI gave her that dignity of what was her identity and gave her an avenue to express the memories of her life,\u201d Adler says about the woman, who was an artist.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class='storyblock storyblock-normal'>\r\n<div id=\"block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7\" class=\"block-hero  small-square\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"hero-image\">\r\n                    <div class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/May-2024-Deborah.jpeg\" alt=\"\"  \/>\r\n                <div class=\"hero-subheading below subheading-xl {{ black }}\">Deborah Adler. (Photo Courtesy of Deborah Adler)<\/div>\r\n                \r\n            <\/div>\r\n                \r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \r\n    \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.block-hero {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.block-hero .hero-image {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.block-hero .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.tall-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 6;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.short-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 9;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.offset-personality .hero-content {\r\n        display: flow-root;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.offset-personality .intro-text {\r\n        float: right;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.offset-personality .hero-image {\r\n        float: left;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        margin: 1rem;\r\n        margin-left: 0rem;\r\n        max-width: 320px;\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 1219px) {\r\n        #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.centered-portrait img {\r\n            aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 1220px) {\r\n        #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.centered-portrait .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.centered-portrait .hero-image img {            \r\n            aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 764px) {    \r\n        #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.small-square .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.centered-portrait .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7.small-square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7 .hero-subheading {\r\n        \/*position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);*\/\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n        font-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7 .hero-subheading.overlay.white {\r\n        color: white;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7 .hero-subheading.overlay.black {\r\n        color: #212529;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7 .hero-subheading.overlay {\r\n        color: white; \r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);   \r\n        z-index: 100;   \r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n        text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7 .hero-subheading.below {\r\n        margin: 0.5rem 0 0 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7 .hero-subheading {\r\n        text-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7 .hero-subheading.subheading-sm {\r\n        font-size: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7 .hero-subheading.subheading-xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7 .hero-subheading.subheading-2xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.25rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7 .hero-subheading.subheading-3xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7 .bottom-centered {\r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_eb5e8925c35fcfec7c665e04a452f7a7 .below {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n        bottom: 0;    \r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n    }\r\n<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n<p>When working with her clients, Adler believes painting is the most healing. She also meets with women once a month outside her practice at the local library and a local residence facility, where many of the women are dealing with challenges related to the pandemic and isolation that has persisted over the past few years. Helping women is deeply meaningful, Adler says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe do so much in the world and we\u2019re such givers,\u201d says Adler, who holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in psychology and master\u2019s degree in creative art therapy. \u201cBut\u2026we take a lot of heat on things [and] we don\u2019t get the credit. I love to give back and heal and\u2026to make everybody feel as special and empowered and creative they can be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-healing-journey-continues\"><strong>The Healing Journey Continues<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While Simon is still grieving the loss of her sister, she has great plans for the future, including becoming an educational consultant for teachers and teaching art classes in the Caribbean, with the hopes of launching a studio there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re all placed with a seed,\u201d says Simon, who is West Indian. \u201cPart of my legacy is helping people to unlock their seed and to help their seed grow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class='storyblock storyblock-normal'>\r\n<div id=\"block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01\" class=\"block-hero  tall-landscape\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"hero-image\">\r\n                    <div class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-2.jpg\" alt=\"\"  \/>\r\n                <div class=\"hero-subheading below subheading-xl {{ black }}\">Amy Simon posing with a group of women after a painting event. (Photo Courtesy of Amy Simon)<\/div>\r\n                \r\n            <\/div>\r\n                \r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \r\n    \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.block-hero {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.block-hero .hero-image {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.block-hero .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.tall-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 6;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.short-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 9;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.offset-personality .hero-content {\r\n        display: flow-root;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.offset-personality .intro-text {\r\n        float: right;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.offset-personality .hero-image {\r\n        float: left;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        margin: 1rem;\r\n        margin-left: 0rem;\r\n        max-width: 320px;\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 1219px) {\r\n        #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.centered-portrait img {\r\n            aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 1220px) {\r\n        #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.centered-portrait .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.centered-portrait .hero-image img {            \r\n            aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 764px) {    \r\n        #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.small-square .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.centered-portrait .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01.small-square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01 .hero-subheading {\r\n        \/*position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);*\/\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n        font-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01 .hero-subheading.overlay.white {\r\n        color: white;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01 .hero-subheading.overlay.black {\r\n        color: #212529;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01 .hero-subheading.overlay {\r\n        color: white; \r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);   \r\n        z-index: 100;   \r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n        text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01 .hero-subheading.below {\r\n        margin: 0.5rem 0 0 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01 .hero-subheading {\r\n        text-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01 .hero-subheading.subheading-sm {\r\n        font-size: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01 .hero-subheading.subheading-xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01 .hero-subheading.subheading-2xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.25rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01 .hero-subheading.subheading-3xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01 .bottom-centered {\r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_e08359b3f9ddffa7a91edcf054147d01 .below {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n        bottom: 0;    \r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n    }\r\n<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Before becoming a victim of domestic violence, Baez says she was much more outgoing and helpful. But once she fell into the situation, she felt like those traits were taken away from her.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI wanted to find something that was going to help bring my fire back \u2014 [painting and helping women] helped me take my power back,\u201d Baez says. She also hopes to expand her staff, and finally finish her bachelor\u2019s degree in psychology.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class='storyblock storyblock-wider'>\r\n<div id=\"block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02\" class=\"block-hero  centered-portrait\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"hero-image\">\r\n                    <div class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_1381-e1736896095151.jpg\" alt=\"\"  \/>\r\n                <div class=\"hero-subheading below subheading-xl {{ black }}\">Melissa Baez standing next to her painting. (Photo Courtesy of Melissa Baez)<\/div>\r\n                \r\n            <\/div>\r\n                \r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \r\n    \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.block-hero {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.block-hero .hero-image {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.block-hero .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.tall-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 6;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.short-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 9;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.offset-personality .hero-content {\r\n        display: flow-root;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.offset-personality .intro-text {\r\n        float: right;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.offset-personality .hero-image {\r\n        float: left;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        margin: 1rem;\r\n        margin-left: 0rem;\r\n        max-width: 320px;\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 1219px) {\r\n        #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.centered-portrait img {\r\n            aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 1220px) {\r\n        #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.centered-portrait .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.centered-portrait .hero-image img {            \r\n            aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 764px) {    \r\n        #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.small-square .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.centered-portrait .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02.small-square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02 .hero-subheading {\r\n        \/*position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);*\/\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n        font-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02 .hero-subheading.overlay.white {\r\n        color: white;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02 .hero-subheading.overlay.black {\r\n        color: #212529;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02 .hero-subheading.overlay {\r\n        color: white; \r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);   \r\n        z-index: 100;   \r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n        text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02 .hero-subheading.below {\r\n        margin: 0.5rem 0 0 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02 .hero-subheading {\r\n        text-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02 .hero-subheading.subheading-sm {\r\n        font-size: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02 .hero-subheading.subheading-xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02 .hero-subheading.subheading-2xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.25rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02 .hero-subheading.subheading-3xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02 .bottom-centered {\r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_202434c6162d3cadbcd0e79bee133d02 .below {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n        bottom: 0;    \r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n    }\r\n<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;When women express how thankful they are to have a safe space like hers, she feels a sense of real reward.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSome of them knew how to paint, and some of them didn&#8217;t \u2014 but now they feel like they found a new outlet to be able to express their emotions,\u201d Baez says. \u201cI think overall, it&#8217;s mainly the sense of belonging, the sense of community, and also the sense that they feel like they are being heard and that there could be a change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"block_629f8c4b7b91814ed7de081c9b47d4c0\" class=\"wp-block related-post alignwide\">\n      <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"section-title\">\n      <h4>Related<\/h4>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"post-wrap\">\n              <div class=\"thumbnail\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/feeling-unheard-by-doctors-many-black-women-are-opting-for-home-births\/\" class=\"post-image-link\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_8744-1-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_8744-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_8744-1-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_8744-1-84x84.jpg 84w, https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_8744-1-45x45.jpg 45w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"entry-text\">\n          <h3 class=\"post-title\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/feeling-unheard-by-doctors-many-black-women-are-opting-for-home-births\/\">\n              Feeling Unheard by Doctors, Many Black Women Are Opting for Home Births\n            <\/a>\n          <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We interview three New York women whose art studios and practices assist women dealing with grief, trauma and loss. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":166,"featured_media":76132,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"autoblue_enabled":true,"autoblue_custom_message":"We interview three New York women whose art studios and practices assist women dealing with grief, trauma and 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Bellamy","description":"Claretta Bellamy is a journalist who enjoys covering topics ranging from health, homelessness, Black culture and human interest. Her professional journalism career includes working for NBC News, where she reported for NBC BLK and the NBC News medical unit. She earned her B.A. in journalism with a minor in video production from Rutgers University-Newark and was granted the Journalism Excellence Award in 2019. Claretta was also honored with the International Day of the Girls Award by Girls; Live, Love, Laugh Inc. in 2022, an honor that celebrates young women of color making a difference in their communities. In 2023, she was also nominated for an award under the National Association of Black Journalists' sports category for her story on the lack of tone-appropriate tights for Black figure skaters. 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