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New Hampshire artist's Aplomb Project helps abuse survivors heal from past trauma

New Hampshire nonprofit helps trauma survivors heal through art
New Hampshire nonprofit helps trauma survivors heal through art 02:16

CAMBRIDGE - A New Hampshire nonprofit aims to promote healing from abuse, loss and illness by capturing survivors in special portraits.

Capturing joy and strength

Donna Jenson, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, was overjoyed to receive her painting from the Aplomb Project, which is based in Dover, New Hampshire.

"I'm not always smiling with my eyes sparkly," said Jenson. "I have days of darkness just like everybody does. But she just did such a good job of capturing my joy, which I do have."

Danielle Festa, the executive director of the Aplomb Project, said she found solace through painting after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

"It was like, let me focus on someone else's strength and then I was getting strength from that too," said Festa.

Through the Aplomb Project, Festa connects with trauma survivors, creating portraits of those who have gone through the worst.

"I think I look so strong"

"When I see my face and the way that Danielle captured me, I think I look so strong," said Spiridoula Politis, a survivor of childhood trauma. She said that's a feeling she never knew was possible. "Not what I've been through. I see where I am now and it's that post-traumatic growth that can be a real sweet spot."

"If I put into a painting what I see, which is their strength and their resilience, it can be a reminder for them when they need it the most," said Festa.

For those interested in joining the Aplomb Project community, they can visit the website or visit the Embody School for Trauma Healing in East Cambridge.

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