Creating Art to Connect and Heal
Creating Art to Connect and Heal: The Work of Kayra Martinez
Asylum seekers present a sobering reminder that traveling for leisure is a privilege, not a right. Uprooted by tragedy, asylum seekers travel because they must. And yet, after braving a dangerous journey, these heroes are often met on safer shores with closed borders and dim temporary shelters. These dignified travelers have much to give and much to teach us, and yet are too often pushed aside and mistreated by oppressive immigration systems. But what if we flipped the script? What if we greeted refugees with not just open borders but open arms, making space for them to thrive in love and light?
KAYRA MARTINEZ AND LOVE WITHOUT BORDERS
Living in Frankfurt Germany in 2015, Kayra Martinez chose not to be daunted by headlines of “crisis.” Instead, at the height of what is commonly referred to as Europe’s refugee crisis, Kayra went to the train station and looked for ways to help. Fast forward a few years later and she is the Director of “Love Without Borders for Refugees in Need’’ a non-profit organization that provides dignified spaces for displaced persons, promotes creativity, and offers much-needed aid.
One of Kayra’s most unique projects has been her international pop art exhibition, which began with another kind gesture, bringing art materials into a refugee camp. It started with children. Kayra would encourage children to use art as a way to escape their often dismal surroundings and to express their many emotions as a kind of therapy. Soon, she rented an apartment nearby and began teaching English and painting with the children regularly, creating a beautiful space for self-expression.
In Kayra’s words, “So the first time I took the materials into the refugee camp I think my goal was to take them out of that environment and that’s why I rented an apartment near the camp and it was a big space and it had a playground across the street. I brought all of the kids in. There were about 15 kids per day and I would teach them English and paint with them while the two sets of parents were cooking traditional Syrian food. And it was just such a wonderful experience and a wonderful environment for them to just paint and you know do what children should do — just enjoy their lives.”
She soon expanded her program to include adults as well, coming across many talented adult artists and realizing that they were also in need of an outlet for healing and self expression. Love Without Borders now has an Etsy page providing economic support to refugee artists and giving art lovers a chance to purchase these unique works. She has also held successful art exhibits on four different continents in around 110 cities. Recently, she purchased a community space where she hopes the displaced can feel a sense of belonging, create art, and take language courses.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Kayra admits that the work can be overwhelming. But however overwhelming, it is necessary. Displaced people deserve to have the opportunity to live, work, and play, embracing their creativity and teaching us all a little something about their unique and enriching lives and experiences. Kayra’s advice for those looking for ways to help this population: start simple. “It’s really overwhelming whether you’re working on the refugee crisis or something in your community. I think we have to keep things very simple and we have to also just realize that helping in our community or helping in Greece is very important. We need to create action and to make these changes ourselves we can’t be waiting on anybody else. And so, you know collaboratively working together, working on projects, initiating some sort of positive energy in the world is so important.”
With that inspiration, those looking for a way to get involved can volunteer with Kayra as a virtual teacher, grant writer, or by supporting her projects in other ways. Reach out on Facebook or her website for more information. Additionally. RISE Travel Institute is hosting a very special virtual event on October 28th where you can learn more about the Love Without Borders community of refugee artists and have the opportunity to purchase a piece of art via an online auction. Check out the press release of the event on our website, or follow the RISE Travel Institute on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
