Hope and health through art - Velvet Weeks finds painting and photography a way out of addiction

By ALANA PERSSON, LACONIA DAILY SUN

LACONIA — Whether it's the downtown Coffee Fest, a local dog show, or a picturesque sunset by the lake, native Laconian Velvet Weeks can be found with her camera in hand intently looking for the perfect picture to come into view.

Struggling with life challenges that had left her facing her own addictions and periods of homelessness, Weeks was drawn into the River Crew Art organization, which was aiming to provide the homeless community with the opportunity to find hope through art. It was through this organization that Weeks was able to reconnect with her natural inclination toward artwork, and find ways to give her a sense of peace, tranquility and ease that she had not felt in years.

Through the generosity of Dick Smith and Elaine Morrison, the coordinators of River Crew Art, Weeks has had access to paint supplies and a digital camera to help her shape her creativity. Learning how to capture skilled and tasteful photos through the instruction of Smith, she has been able to sell some of her artwork to the local newspaper The Citizen, showing some of her work on a large-scale platform for the first time. While people in the community often only see the Weeks's work in newspaper features and art exhibits, the vast majority of her work is displayed privately in the homes and offices of those to whom she has donated work. Focused on positively impacting the lives of others, Weeks has donated original artwork to Laconia City Prosecutor Jim Sawyer and Judge Jim Carroll, The Unitarian Church of Laconia, children with cancer at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, the Laconia Fire Station, the Laconia Clinic, and many others.

"I love giving back to the community through my artwork," said Weeks. "There is so much beauty in Laconia from the city workers who plant the flowers or the people volunteering at events, it's nice to be able to show how city members come together through my work."

Recently, Weeks has been working closely with Stand Up Laconia! using her art as a way to promote awareness of addition to youth. Using her knowledge of addiction, Weeks has been able to create pictures and posters that depict the horrors of addiction and the inner struggle it leaves those abusing drugs in. Hoping to expand ability to positively impact the lives of community members farther than just pictures and posters, Weeks hopes to later mentor those in the community struggling with addiction using means of artwork.

"River Art Crew will be partnering with Navigating Recovery of the Lakes Region, so Velvet and other individuals will have the opportunity to help those struggling with addiction through art therapy and mentorship," said Morisson.

Each week, River Art Crew meets at the Unitarian Church of Laconia between the hours of 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for an art project and a meal.

"Mondays are my favorite days of the week," said Weeks. "Art with River Art Crew has turned my life around, and given me discipline, focus, and a sense of calmness. In the future I hope to keep up with the photographs and artwork, and keep giving back to the community that I love."

Velvet Weeks displays her art and photos, done as part of the River Art Crew, a group that works with the homeless to find hope through art. (Alana Persson/Laconia Daily Sun) Below are examples of her work.