In 2019, the third AH:LE Creative Summit explored the theme of "Survivor" through supported open studio art-making sessions. A "survivor" can be the last remaining member of a group, or someone who copes with and moves beyond life's difficulties. This project focused on exploring resilience in the creative process. Responses to adversity, crisis, trauma, and change are diverse, reflecting the complexity and intersecting identities of each individual.
During the creative summit, participants created artwork honoring their individual narratives of survival in a safe, supported open studio environment alongside others exploring the same theme. Provided with a foundation and free access to studio supplies, participants created their pieces during scheduled open studio sessions. The summit's overall goals were to provide a platform for individual narratives, increase public awareness and acceptance, and offer a safe space for participants to explore and potentially process challenges related to their experiences.
