S4 E4: Hamilton Glass on Mending Walls and Collaborative Change

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Hamilton Glass about Mending Walls RVA, the concept of project vs. process, and the many ways that creativity, connection, and collaboration can lead to change.

Hamilton Glass’s career as an artist stems from his architecture and design background. Despite working in the architecture field for 7 years, his passion for public art pushed him to start a career as an artist. Public art has always been a big influence and inspiration to Hamilton, because of its power to influence and inspire the surrounding community. With every opportunity Hamilton is given to create, he tries to convey a message that connects his art to the community. Using his background in architecture, he creates images that reference architectural drafting practices, which are represented in the sharp lines, scale, and balance of the piece. The bright colors and unpredictable lines and shapes are used to convey energy and movement in each piece.

Hamilton's work isn’t just a singular canvas, print, or mural. One of the things he enjoys most is creating multi-layered projects that amplify his community's voices. In 2020, Hamilton founded the Mending Walls RVA which was created to address the civil unrest and pandemic raging in our country. This was a way for Hamilton to process current events and create a platform that inspired empathy and connection through collaborative public art work. Hamilton's goal is to use his art as a healing tool to uplift and inspire his community.

Referenced Resources:

Mending Walls RVA: https://www.mendingwallsrva.com/

Mending Walls Documentary: https://www.vpm.org/mending-walls

Mending Walls Podcast: https://mendingwallspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Rick Griffin about the ways that understanding neuroscience can transform ourselves and our relationships, the impact of community-based education, and the power of staying curious in every interaction.

Rick is the Founder and CEO of the Neuro Leadership Academy, a new enterprise committed to using neuroscience to facilitate personal and professional development. Rick holds a master’s degree in education and uses his education to develop innovative content and to deliver engaging presentations. He speaks to thousands of groups from all over the country and is widely recognized for his work with trauma- informed and resilience-based practices.

As the former Executive Director of a trauma-informed therapeutic residential program for struggling teens, Rick has first-hand experience with developing and implementing strategies and structures that foster resilience. His experience allows him to consult seamlessly with schools, businesses, and community organizations.

Mr. Griffin continues to be on the leading edge of training design. As a Master Trainer for Community Resilience Initiative, he has developed several outstanding trauma and resilience focused programs and practices including the Certified Trauma-Informed Specialist (CTIS), a micro-credential for Occupational Therapist and other school-based mental health professionals. He has also authored several engaging eBooks, including his latest eBook, Keeping PACE With the Brain, an insightful eBook that delves into how social domains stimulate brain responses and guide our actions, emotions, and motivations.

Referenced Resources:

Community Resilience Initiative: https://criresilient.org/

Neuro Leadership Academy: https://neuro-la.com/about-us/

How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/books/how-emotions-are-made/

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk : https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime?subtitle=en

The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

It’s National Recovery month, and in this week’s episode, we’re talking with Mandy McCarthy about the role that vulnerability plays in healing, the world’s need for storytelling, and moving upstream in prevention and wellness work.

Mandy McCarthy is a Prevention and Wellness Specialist with Northwestern Community Services Board, who uses her story to help bring awareness to mental health challenges and substance use. She is the mother of an amazing 12-year-old boy, an active member of her community, and feels enthusiastic about being the change she wants to see in the world.

Triumph Over Trauma: Northern Shenandoah Valley Resiliency Initiative: https://www.triumphovertraumansv.com/

Kevin Hines: https://kevinhinesstory.com/

Topics discussed in this episode include suicide, substance use, domestic violence, and sexual assault. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988.

The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.