Cedars, April 2018

April 2018 17 THE GLOBAL REFUGEE CRISIS: ARTISTIC AWARENESS ways, such as taking them to doctor’s ap- pointments, giving the eldest son driving lessons, and financially providing groceries for them. However, Swift noticed that despite the language barrier, the refugees impacted their American hosts just as much as they were being impacted. “It was so cool because [it was] a two- way integration that is so nourishing both ways,” Swift said. “The Syrian family [is] integrating into American society, and this American family [is] benefiting by this story of strength with such poise and endurance.” Swift said that the most powerful mo- ment of the project for him came when he had finished filming and was saying good- bye to Manal. He asked her why she wanted to tell her story, since many other refugees had refused to be interviewed for fear of negative repercussions. “And she looked me in the eye, with more human strength than I think I’ve ever seen from anybody, and she just told me, ‘You can’t be afraid,’” Swift said. “That was a precious experience for me.” According to Swift, Manal and her hus- band are now employed, their children are enrolled in schools and their language skills are rapidly improving. Swift hopes that through viewing his documentary, people gain perspective as they see the spirit of hope and resilience in the refugees. “I tried not tomake a preachy film,” Swift said, “[but] we’re kind of spoiled as Amer- icans. These people have so much to give us because of what they go through. What I would like people to take away is a capacity to open our hearts and be compassionate.” Since the completion of the Columbus Crossing Borders Project, its roaring suc- cess has been a shock even to VanBalen. Its debut event in May 2017 was attended by more than 400 people. “It’s gaining momentum, as though the project has grown legs of its own and tak- en off, and we’re just trying to keep up with it,” VanBalen said. “I never thought that it would leave Ohio, but we’ve already been traveling from city to city.” VanBalen said one of the most important aspects of the project is spreading knowledge through conversation at the exhibits. “The conversations that we have often are in regard to what we all deserve: the cornerstones of respect, caring, and putting love into action,” she said. “If we could focus on that, it would heal so much in our world right now.” When the exhibit concludes all planned touring at the close of 2018, all artwork will be auctioned and the proceeds will benefit ref- ugees. Though the project does not generate many funds, VanBalen still feels that refugees have been encouraged by their activism. “Maybe it doesn’t change people in a dramatic way, but it brings smiles to their hearts knowing that somebody cares about them,” she said. Additionally, VanBalen said she real- izes that young people represent an oppor- tunity for culture-wide change within the United States. “Through our advocacy, we’re really trying to reach out to a wide demographic, and one of the most uplifting experiences we’ve been having is with younger people,” she said. “What better way to change hearts and minds than to start with young people?” VanBalen is unsure of where her brain- child will go in the future, but she is confi- dent that it will leave a lasting legacy. “If even a small fraction of the commu- nity becomes aware, and starts to under- stand what’s happening, then it’s worth it,” she said. “I’m aiming big because I feel this is urgent. It’s essential work, and we have to do it for each other.” One of the artists, Dasa Harris, is a refugee from communist east Europe and came to the United States in 1993. Because of her heritage, the project’s meaning reso- nates for her. Her painting features a wom- an and child staring out over a stormy sea. “I am hopeful this project can, in some small way, shine a spotlight on their plight,” Harris wrote on the Columbus Crossing Borders website, “and encourage govern- ments around the globe to tear down their walls and fences and recognize, with com- passion, our common humanity.” The Columbus Crossing Borders Proj- ect is coming to the Cultural Arts Center in Columbus on May 21; the exhibit will be open from 2-7 p.m., and admission is free. Additionally, the documentary “Breathe Free” can be purchased on Vimeo for $5. Katie Milligan is a freshman English ma- jor0. She enjoys taking Polaroid photos, eating pasta, and watching Disney movies. Photo provided by Columbus Crossing Borders Project “Run” by Linda Regula. The flames reach into the next piece by Paula Colman. Photo provided by Columbus Crossing Borders Project “One Child of Millions” by Paula Colman. The flames on the left side spill over from the piece by Linda Regula.