I teach a textile workshop every week at Mural Arts’ Kensington Storefront. I also give those who come to the workshop a chance to share their thoughts for Epidemic.

My friend and studio-mate Kathryn Pannepacker said it best – our studio in Kensington is a sanctuary!

We bear witness to other people’s pain. We laugh, we cry, we hug, we make art.

“A” was new to the studio this week, and didn’t make a thing. He ate lots of cookies and drank some tea. He shared his story with us, and trusted us to listen. One of the things he said has stayed with me. He has three daughters (13, 10 and 8 I think). He has so much regret for not being in their lives, and the pain of that is part of what’s keeping him out there. He said that when he finally gets into recovery that he can’t wait for his daughter to run to him, hug him and say “daddy.” “It will break my heart open and it will be the best high I’ve ever had.”

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