To the reader,
The Forgiving Sea was begun in 2016 as a simple gesture to encourage interaction and promote peace. The Forgiving Sea paintings are located at the Harrison Center and in Carolyn Springer’s studio. The Forgiving Sea pushes the traditional boundaries of static gallery-style art by encouraging viewers to write on the paintings. In the current interactive process, viewers write the names of those they wish to forgive on the image with chalk pastel. A new layer of sea waves is painted over the names and washes them away. The handwriting of the participants can look like tagging or mark-making, building a beautiful layer to the painting. Back and forth, the layers continue to transform into soulful works of art made by the collective community. As individuals unburden and heal themselves by forgiving those who have hurt them, they may consider their transgressions as caretakers of the earth.
The environmental aspect of our mission starts locally. The only way to begin the conversation is within our community. Water is in a constant state of change as it flows to its source, as is The Forgiving Sea. Like water, changes with each layer of names and paint. Some participants have come back, month after month, to write on the Forgiving Sea. It has become a sanctuary of sorts.
Though this project was introduced seven years ago, we are still considered a “baby” non-profit. With your donations, we will be able to achieve our goal to rebrand our organization; from our website to business cards. In addition, the funds would be used to support events where The Forgiving Sea Project is invited (events like P.A.C.E. And the Harvest Festival).
The Forgiving Sea Project has touched the community in various ways, and we only hope to continue our mission with your support.
Sincerely,
The Forgiving Sea Project