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A Moment of Reflection on CHISPA’s Annual Celebration

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 06:54:29 GMT

A Moment of Reflection on CHISPA’s Annual Celebration

On February 6, I attended the CHISPA Annual Celebration with fellow board member Sonia Chapa. If you are not acquainted with CHISPA, it stands for Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association, Inc. and they are a nonprofit housing developer here in Monterey County.

One of my earliest experiences with Sol Treasures was shuttling my child to and from rehearsals for The Wizard of Oz. You may recall Dorothy’s famous closing line: “There’s no place like home.” Indeed, truer words could not be said. I would further enhance Dorothy’s line to state that there’s no place like a home of one’s own.

The words of the presenters, honorees, and scholarship recipients at CHISPA’s Annual Celebration all point to the universal dignity of having a place to call one’s own home. Monterey County is known for being an expensive place to live. The past ten years have seen an increase in our unsheltered population and in families doubling and tripling up in houses. Multiple systemic barriers contributed to this increase in homelessness, including job availability, income not covering the high cost of living, access to education, and access to transportation. No single organization will overcome these barriers on its own. It takes a village, as the maxim goes.

Sol Treasures is honored to be part of the same village as CHISPA, together seeking to improve the lives of Monterey county residents. Sol Treasures lifts the heart of our community through artistic exposure and expression. CHISPA empowers our community through home ownership.

We look forward to future years with CHISPA as we each enrich our south county community with heart and home.

Jessica Riley

Board President

The Power of the Arts Inspire in Challenging Times

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 05:32:48 GMT

The Power of the Arts Inspire in Challenging Times

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, the arts are a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. They have always been a reflection of the times, offering inspiration, consolation, and connection when we need it most. But why are the arts especially important now? As someone who has devoted my life to fostering creativity and cultural appreciation, I’d like to share why I believe the arts are not just important—they are essential!

The Arts Help Us Process Our Emotions

These past few years have been a roller coaster ride, many of us are grappling with emotions that can feel overwhelming. Art—whether it's painting, music, theater, or dance—gives us a way to inspire and express what words often cannot. It allows us to confront our pain, celebrate our joy, and process all those feelings that come with simply being human.

For children, especially, art can be transformative. It gives them a safe space to communicate their fears, hopes, and dreams where they might not yet have the words to express otherwise.

The Arts Connect Us

At a time when technology can make us feel more connected but at the same time disconnected than ever, the arts offer a profound sense of community. Whether it’s attending a local theater production, joining a painting class, or simply dancing in your living room to your favorite song, the arts remind us that we are not alone.

I see this firsthand in my work. Through programs and workshops, I’ve witnessed the way art brings people of all ages together. From children laughing as they create their first clay sculpture, to parents bonding with their little ones over a toddler masterpiece, to a community becoming a family through a theater production, the arts remind us of the beauty of connection.

The Arts Inspire Hope

When the world feels heavy, the arts have a unique ability to lift us up. A powerful story, a vibrant mural, or a soul-stirring melody can reignite the spark of hope within us. They remind us that, despite the challenges we face, creativity and beauty still exist.

In many ways, art is a form of resistance. It challenges us to imagine a better future and gives us the courage to work toward it. It’s no coincidence that some of the most beautiful art pieces come from times of struggle—because art thrives when people need hope the most

Investing in the Arts is Investing in the Future

Right now, as budgets tighten and priorities shift, the arts are often one of the first things to be cut (I took this line from my boss). But we must recognize that investing in the arts is investing in the future. It’s providing children with a way to express themselves in a healthy way, dream big, and speak without words, adults with a way to express themselves and heal, and communities with a way to come together.

Through my work with Sol Treasures and the programs I’ve been blessed to develop, I’ve seen how the arts can change lives. I’ve watched shy children blossom on stage, seniors rediscover their love of painting, crafting, and creating, and entire families find joy in creating something together.

A Call to Action

Now more than ever, we need to advocate for the arts! Whether it’s supporting local artists, volunteering for a community arts program, or simply creating something yourself, every bit helps. The arts are not a luxury—they are a necessity! They feed our souls, nurture our communities, and remind us of what it means to be alive.

So, let’s pick up that brush, create those wreaths, or attend that theater production. Let’s ensure the arts continue to thrive, not just for us, but for the generations to come. Because in the end, the arts are more than just a reflection of our world—they are the heart of it.

How do the arts inspire you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s keep the conversation going and remind the world just how vital creativity truly is.

Maria Turner

Operations Manager

New Year’s Resolution: Embrace Your Vision

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 02:37:49 GMT

New Year’s Resolution: Embrace Your Vision

Ever found yourself sitting in the urgent care lobby on an unfamiliar chair with sharp corners on the arms? You look to your right and the little table offers three pharmaceutical brochures, a plant, a tattered board book, and a few magazines that could be from any point in time. You pick up one of them and flip through it. Halfway through the magazine, the image of the smiling model and the bold, multicolored headline jump out at you. You pick up a different magazine, and the cover page shows a relaxing image on the waterfront, and find yourself experiencing a moment of calm, either from a memory of a recent visit to the water or a yearning to go. What about department stores? Ever enter a store and respond to the art on the wall, the ad on the display table, or the window dressing’s inspirational quote? Have you ever seen a mural of angel or butterfly wings and posed in front of them?

Every day, you are exposed to words and images, from ads to wall art to office decor to purchasable goods. They might make us smile or laugh, and we’ll snap a photo and text it to a loved one or post it to social media. The word evocative is defined by Google as “bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind.” When you see things that are evocative, you respond to the memory or the feeling. If you take it one step further, you could ask yourself, why did that image or those words compel a response? Did the sunset remind you of the view last summer when you went swimming at the lake? Did the headline that said “now is the time” speak to you because you’ve been thinking about getting a new job, but haven’t actually applied anywhere? If you are nodding along to any of this, then you should take some time for yourself to make a vision board. A vision board is a collage of words and images that represent your dreams and goals. The dreams are broad, and the goals are specific. Making a vision board is your opportunity to reflect on why it is that the things that speak to you do so.

I recently put together a vision board for my 2025 resolutions, and the pictures that called to me invited me to reflect on my goals to develop my skills at work, take more outdoor walks, and enjoy a few more laughs indulging the whimsy of life. That’s how my 2025 vision board wound up with pictures of gardens and nature, headlines like “power women” and “get inspired,” and funny animal faces.

Making an annual vision board pushes you to reflect on what truly taps into your emotions and encourages you to be yourself. Ultimately, they will help you realize where you will find satisfaction in life. You can make a vision board at home with a magazine, scissors, glue, and a couple hours. You could also join us at Sol Treasures on Saturday, February 1st, with certified collage artist Sonia Chapa, and make one in the company of like-minded dreamers and goalsetters. Hope to see you there! Register Here!

Jessica Riley

Board President