Art for friendship’s sake

We all have our own circle of friends – people dear to us whom we choose to confide in, spend time with and engage in all sorts of activities. But for many young people with special needs, this sphere is limited, and they are often excluded from a wide range of interpersonal interactions.

To help round out their social sphere, The Friendship Circle of Central Jerusalem extends a warm hand and a generous heart. Established in 2008 by Chanie Canterman, the nonprofit organization connects teen and young adult volunteers to youth with special needs and their families through a broad array of social offerings.

Inspired by the power of genuine friendship, the volunteers cultivate kindness, understanding and responsibility while ensuring a caring and inclusive community. It is modeled after The Friendship Circle established in Michigan by Levi and Bassie Shemtov.

The Friendship Circle of Central Jerusalem provides a plethora of projects designed to foster a sense of joy, fulfillment and empowerment for all concerned. The most recent activity was The Art of Friendship program, which culminated with a gala evening and art auction on October 19.

Under the guidance of seven well-known Jerusalem artists, a host of young people with special needs were given the opportunity to express themselves through art. Over the course of several months, accompanied by their volunteer buddies, they went to the respective artists’ studios and applied their hands to media such as acrylic, watercolor, collage, graffiti or sculpting. The artists who contributed their time and talent were Andi Arnovitz, Zion Asoulin, Hadassah Berry, Sarah Mannheim, David Moss, Louis Sakalovsky and Solomon Souza.

“Each child has his or her own story that is told through the artwork,” says Canterman, director of The Friendship Circle. “They see the world in a different way.”

From the artist’s perspective, David Moss says, “The children, FC helpers and I bonded immediately as we formed our little working team of creative collaborators.

The whole experience was a delight as the art came joyously into being before our eyes.”

Not only were the protégés guided by the artists, but the mentors were enriched by them.

Arnovitz recounts, “I was hesitant to become a volunteer art mentor, as I have zero experience with working with people with special needs. The Friendship Circle actually fosters relationships, and as that teacher- student relationship grew, so did my understanding of what could be possible artistically. I found that I looked forward to my time spent in the studio with my student, and it gave me a completely new understanding of what patience is, what the freedom from self-censorship can mean, what sheer, unencumbered creativity looks like. I got back much more than I ever gave.”

Held at Beit Chassid at 47 Emek Refaim Street, the Art of Friendship gala was an elegant affair, replete with fine wine and delectable hors d’oeuvres. The venue, generously provided by proprietors Inbal and Sharon Chassid, was set up like a veritable art gallery, with the paintings framed by Vera Rosen and the 90 pieces of artwork curated by Raphael Marrache. While the patrons who filled the hall were duly impressed by the look and feel of the event, they marveled at the high caliber of the artwork itself, says Bernice Fogel, an FC board member and driving force behind the Art of Friendship.

In addition to the professionalism with which the works were executed, there was a sense of exuberance that exuded from every piece. Filled with joy and full of color, they spoke volumes about the way the young artists felt about the process.

As Solomon Souza explains, “Having grown up watching and helping my mother create art with special- needs children, I knew what I was getting myself into. There is an unbridled energy that accompanies these children, and it is amazing to watch them at work. I think they ended up teaching me a lot more.

Every being is pulsating with creativity; it just takes motivation and encouragement to really unleash it!” “Their happiness and enthusiasm come through in the colors. In their artwork, they express the emotions they can’t say in words,” observes Fogel.

A video screened at the event, showing some of the protégés at work with their mentors, reflected the intense dedication with which they tackled the task.

Hence, there was not a dry eye in the house when the young artists stood near auctioneer Raphael Sait and swelled with pride as the patrons voiced their bids for their artwork.

In addition to the artwork, patrons could purchase a coffee-table book containing all the artwork and background information, designed by Yehuda Reznikov, plus a calendar with 12 selected pieces, mounted in such a way that each one could be framed.

Some of the patrons who purchased pieces of art took their acquisitions one step further and donated them to a school or hospital, inspired by the Art of Friendship slogan “Happy art deserves a happy home.”

These programs are a godsend to children with special needs and their families.

As an appreciative father of an FC participant says, “There is one place where we are not alone, a place where different is truly celebrated and special.

That place is Friendship Circle. When there are no play dates, there are Friends at Home. When there are no birthday parties, there are FC Birthday Bashes.

When there are no trips, there are holiday celebrations, Buddy Baseball, Summer Camp, Musical Circle, Sunday Circle and so much more. Friendship Circle is a place where disapproving stares are replaced with warm accepting smiles and where uncontrollable disasters are met with loving embraces.”

On the FC holiday roster, the next event is the annual Hanukka candle lighting ceremony at Mamilla Mall, with the guest dignitary yet to be confirmed. On Purim, there will be a masquerade ball on March 2 at Beit Chassid. In celebration of Passover, the Great Matza Bake will take place on March 30 at The First Station, where participants will try their hand at making the world’s largest matza.

On May 14 the annual Lag Ba’omer parade, complete with drum marching band, will go will go from Mamilla to Sokolow Park, where a day of fun-filled activities will await.

For sports enthusiasts, Buddy Baseball season reopens on April 23 at Kraft Stadium, culminating with the allstar game on June 2. Also in June, a special evening will honor the FC volunteers, whose help is invaluable in promoting the programs and giving the special needs population a genuine sense of inclusion and belonging.

These are just some of the activities the FC has in store for its ever-widening coterie. Circle the dates! Such events also give the general public a chance to expand their own circle of friends by meeting like-minded people who welcome the opportunity to participate in heart-warming activities. After all, one can never have too many friends.

The calendars, books and some artwork are still available for purchase. To order or to make a donation, email aofjerusalem@ gmail.com. All the proceeds will be used to support the many programs the FC has on its agenda.

For more information about The Friendship Circle, visit fcjerusalem.org.

"Each child has his or her own story that is told through the artwork."