Stories from WMA

Art brings people together, sometimes when we need it the most.

WMA partners with 18 area nonprofit agencies and organizations to meet our community’s needs, connecting our Wiregrass neighbors directly to art and artists through these outreach programs. 

WMA provides temporary art installations using works from area artists and creatives in a designated space within House of Ruth’s Dothan shelter, called the Wall of Hope. This month, WMA’s ongoing partnership with House of Ruth Dothan gave our area’s youngest artists the opportunity to share their creativity and artistic talents in support of this organization’s important work. This space is updated throughout the year and shares works of art created with messages of inspiration, hope, and joy, and brings community connection into the residence.The House of Ruth is a grass roots, non-profit agency dedicated to providing safe, temporary shelters for women and their children, including victims of domestic violence.

With collaboration from Kelly Springs Elementary School and art instructor Crystal Forehand, this month’s installation used K-6 student work to create the temporary gallery. 

“I look forward to each month’s update for the Wall of Hope. It brightens the atmosphere, no matter what the season may be. Our advocates describe it as a ‘trauma release wall’, and say that it spurs memories of an easy life, and being open to receive whatever life has to offer. The rainbows reminded them of God’s promises and of things they wanted to see happen,” said Angela Underwood, Executive Director of the House of Ruth Dothan. 

Arts participation crosses barriers of social class and ethnicity and leads to residents learning about each other and other neighborhoods. People involved in the arts meet more people, and participatory arts projects make marginalized groups more visible and promote positive community connections.

WMA prioritizes outreach opportunities that reach underserved populations, including those historically marginalized, underserved age groups (including senior citizens and the very young), and/or rural areas with little access to the arts. Other areas of outreach include art, health and wellness, and community events or programs in which WMA can be a good neighbor to Wiregrass residents.  

Read more information on WMA’s commitment to lifelong learning through outreach in our 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, linked here.