"Last Summer" by Holly Thomas
Holly Thomas makes it clear that she is not an art therapist. Rather she is a professional artist who works frequently in art outreach. She also started a non-profit, Theo’s Pocket, which provides specialized art classes and art outreach to individuals in Southwest Virginia and Upper East Tennessee. The classes are low-cost, with supplies included.Theo’s Pocket has an art therapist who serves as a consultant to the board.
“I simply conduct art classes based on a general mental health topic of interest and create art programming geared to those who need specialized approaches to an art class.I do art outreach,paint parties and have an art booth at William King Art Lab where I conduct in-person art classes on a weekly basis.I design art classes based on helpful topics, such as self-esteem boosting, or plan out special art lessons based on an individual artist’s ability. I do group art activities at assisted living facilities.Aspecially designed art class can help build upon the natural strengths of the artist and boost self-esteem. It also creates an opportunity for the artist to explore topics of interest or assist in moving forward from a difficult past into a brighter future.It opens dialogue within the self and possibilities of positivity,” she says. She is also developing specialized coloring pages for use by trained professionals.
Theo’s Pocket is named in honor of Theo Van Gogh, Vincent Van Gogh’s brother. Theo was a Dutch art gallery owner who encouraged and financially supported Vincent throughout the troubled artist’s life.After the death of the two brothers within months of each other, Theo’s wife, Jo, continued to promote Vincent’s work.
“Theo’s Pocket was founded in Smyth County in connection with art classes I was conducting with special needs students and within the mental health community.There was a need for art classes for individuals who did not feel comfortable in traditional art classes and needed more individual help or those whose condition warranted a specially designed art class approach.Many times, I need to travel to conduct these classes in nursing homes or other facilities, so this charity is based on a mobile art approach.Have art, will travel with some art supplies ‘in my pocket.’ So the name of the charity was born.
“I lost a brother to a major mental illness when he was 23, and I was 17. As a younger sister, I saw his struggles, and I do what I do in his memory.He was a talented artist and photographer whom the world lost too soon.I also do my outreach work in memory of a much-loved late student of mine, Stephanie Grimes. She was a talented artist who overcame many challenges to create amazing works of art.
“I do use my art as a helpful inspiration. Currently, I have begun work on an art show based on the topic of family estrangement and will be asking for individuals to participate anonymously in order for me to create a semi-abstract portrait and tell their story.Art and stories are approved by the participant to be included in an educational art show I hope to pull together by next year. The biggest challenge is that people who have experienced family estrangement feel very alone, when the experience is in fact fairly common.I hope to bridge that gap and expand the dialogue on the topic,” Thomas says.
Thomas invites anyone who needs more information to contact her charity. The mailing address is Theo’s Pocket, P.O. Box 1242, Marion, VA 24354. She can be reached at hozlolly@gmail.com, (276) 356-9832 or through her website, www.theospocket.org.
