On the evening of Thursday, August 21st, the halls of Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School resonated not only with the usual vibrant energy of learning but also with a profound sense of love, community, and connection. The school hosted a beautiful art therapy event spearheaded by alum, Naomi Herman, and led by art therapist and Twist Out Cancer staff, Jackie Carmody. The art therapy directive involved a heartfelt tribute to Karen Manilow, a beloved math teacher who passed away after a courageous battle with Breast Cancer.

The event served as a testament to the powerful connection the BZ community had with Ms. Manilow. She was not only a teacher, but a mentor, friend, sister, daughter, mother, and grandmother. Art therapy provided a unique avenue for expression, allowing the individuals in attendance to process complex emotions, grieve, and find solace in a creative and supportive environment. 

Each of the 25+ attendees created a unique hexagon tile with their artwork, expressing their feelings and memories through painting and drawing. Laughter mingled with quiet reflection as individuals channeled their emotions into tangible forms. Following the art creation, there was meaningful sharing and storytelling.

“Learning about Ms. Manilow through the artwork and stories was so powerful. I especially loved the personal stories her students and co-workers shared. Many of them created tiles that reflected inside jokes or unique memories they had about her. Many included images of scarves because she would always wear them. One student even shared how Ms. Manilow encouraged her to stop apologizing and how it improved her personal confidence in herself. ” -Jackie Carmody, art therapist.

Each brushstroke, every color choice, and every shape contributed to a collective goal of remembrance. This event underscored the profound impact a teacher can have on a community, and how that community, in turn, can come together to honor their legacy in meaningful ways.

The art therapy session at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School was a poignant reminder that even in times of loss, there is immense strength in coming together. Twist Out Cancer and Bernard Zell will be hosting an additional evening in December to create more tiles for the larger artwork. Our goal is to complete 200 tiles. 

The memories and emotions shared through art will undoubtedly contribute to the healing process for all involved, ensuring that the beloved teacher’s spirit continues to inspire, as the artwork will be permanently displayed in the school’s math hallway. 

Interested in attending or contributing a tile? Register here!

Want to donate to this project? Donate here.

Learn more about Twist Hearts and how to bring this program to your school or community. 

www.twistoutcancer.org/twisthearts/