Mother and daughter music duo Loretta and Elli Garbark will make an exclusive performance at the YWCA Wheeling on Valentine's day, Saturday, as local women share their artistic talents.
Heartfelt Expressions, a program of the YWCA's Family Violence Prevention Program, gives people the chance to heal through art or simply sharing their stories. Victims of domestic violence are the focus of the program, but Heartfelt Expressions also welcomes individuals coping with illness, divorce or other hardships.
Michelle Harriman, who has been coordinating the event since its inception last year, emphasized the event's power to connect with others in pain and in recovery.
"Anybody dealing with an experience in their life is more than welcome to come," Harriman said. "Some people bring paintings or sing songs or read poetry. This is their time to shine."
The next Heartfelt Expressions is also a Valentine's Day luncheon that will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the YWCA Wheeling.
The event is free of charge, but donations to the Family Violence Prevention Program or the YWCA will be accepted.
Fact Box
- Heartfelt Expressions and Valentine Luncheon is noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the YWCA Second Floor Theater, 1100 Chapline St., Wheeling. RSVP by calling 304-232-2748.
This will be the fourth Heartfelt Expressions event, and Harriman said she hopes to see the program grow so it can continue to be held once a quarter or more frequently as people need to be reminded of their hope and creativity in times of crisis.
"They don't have to be alone and deal with it alone," she said.