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Healing Art: Silicon Valley Arts Groups Welcome Katrina Victims
 For many of us, Hurricane Katrina is a fading memory. But for 232 families who packed up what was left of their lives and have moved to Santa Clara County, it is still very much a harsh reality.
When she first learned about these new local residents, Lisa Mallette wondered what she could do to help. As the Managing Artistic Director for City Lights Theater Company in San Jose, she sees day after day how plays offer an opportunity to release emotion and share joy. So she approached the Red Cross and invited the Katrina evacuees to come see a show… for free.
Then she encouraged other arts organizations to join the Welcome Wagon. Arts Council Silicon Valley and other groups joined the effort to reach out to these new neighbors, and have created a “calendar of arts events” that runs through the anniversary of the hurricane, providing free events to Katrina evacuees.
“We simply want to reach out to these individuals and families and say ‘The Arts Community Welcomes You,’” Mallette said. “As an arts community, we can make a big difference. Not only can we show support to the victims, but we can demonstrate to the whole community the value and importance of the arts and their ability to heal, inspire, nourish, and comfort.”
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