Stories are essential to the human experience. They illuminate the world around us, fostering deeper connections with others by bridging diverse perspectives. Through rich narratives, stories ignite our imaginations and evoke a spectrum of emotions, shaping our identities and forging a shared human experience across generations and cultures.
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Creating art has become my way of bearing witness—to my own experiences and those I observe—giving form to the sociopolitical and interpersonal sensitivities that resonate within me. My art process provides a platform for exploration, reflection, transformation, and resilience. It's a space where I can find deeper understanding amidst life's inevitable challenges, acknowledging and honoring them as powerful catalysts for personal growth and profound self-understanding.
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Stories also serve as powerful teachers, illustrating the impacts of actions and providing valuable frameworks for navigating complex situations by allowing us to vicariously experience the challenges we face. I had the honor of directing and editing the film, We are the Most Beautiful People | Adults with Disabilities. Crow & Moon Productions is a small, social justice driven production company providing opportunities for storytellers to amplify their tales and experiences.
PictureClick image to explore the AHLE Summits and the AHLE Film Series.

In 2012, I founded the Artist/Humankind: Location/Earth (AH:LE) summits to provide a space for individuals to explore and express their life experiences through art making and conversation. These projects provided free art materials and supported open studio time, fostering a supportive and interactive community. Each summit culminated in a public art exhibit showcasing the work of participants, and also including those who came to view the art into the conversations. The AHLE Film Series is the next iteration of this experience.

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Speaking publicly has become an unexpected extension of my work with individuals and communities. Storytelling in this context fosters profound conversations about lived experience, morality, values, ethics, and decision-making, helping us navigate challenges and grow personally and professionally.
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In 2016 I was urged by art therapy participants to put the work I was offering into a workbook format. This publication introduced readers to the practice of integrating art journaling, mindfulness, and meditation in their self-care practice. This work evolved into another book and also my Creative Mindfulness Treatment Deck.
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Acknowledgements: It is with deep respect and gratitude that I acknowledge that I reside and work on the traditional homelands of the Cowlitz and Clackamas tribes. I acknowledge and honor with reverence those who have stewarded this land, through colonization, systemic racism, structural racism, and genocidal policies. Additionally, I hold in the highest esteem those who have been historically enslaved upon this land, as well as those who may have been excluded to this land due to race, national origin, citizenship, and ethnicity. I offer some of my art therapy services at no charge to those who's homelands I occupy. If this applies to you or someone you know and you'd like to find out more please contact me.

Beth Ann Short LLC