“Take your broken heart and turn it into art.” These words, immortalized by the brilliant Carrie Fisher, hold a special kind of power—especially now, as our community faces unimaginable loss.
The wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles County have left behind more than charred landscapes; they’ve left us with restless, broken hearts. We mourn iconic spaces reduced to ash, the precious memories they held now only lingering in our minds. We ache for children who’ve lost their schools, community centers, and places of worship. We grieve for the animals fleeing for survival and for families left without homes. And we hold close in our hearts the injured and the lives so tragically lost.
In the face of this devastation, we find ourselves asking: How do we move forward? How do we offer comfort to children who look to us for understanding when our own hearts are heavy? And how do we begin to heal when the road ahead feels so uncertain?
We create.
Art doesn’t erase pain, but it helps us carry it. It reminds us that we are more than our loss; we are creators. And in creating, we find hope.
It is no secret that art is a powerful, therapeutic tool—a way to process emotions that feel too overwhelming to hold. At P.S. ARTS, we’ve seen firsthand how art provides a safe haven for children, giving them a voice to express their fears, hopes, and resilience.
This is why stories like Simone by Viet Thanh Nguyen, illustrated by Minnie Phan, feel so important right now. The book follows a young girl forced to flee her home as a wildfire engulfs her neighborhood. It’s a story of courage, uncertainty, and ultimately, healing.
For children who have lived through evacuation and loss, Simone offers a mirror—reflecting their journey and validating their emotions. For others, it serves as a window into the experiences of those impacted, fostering empathy and understanding.
Most powerfully, Simone reminds us of the restorative power of art. In the shelter, as Simone and other children process their fear and loss, they create. With crayons and paper, they channel their emotions into something tangible—building community, connection, and a sense of hope.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, know that it’s okay to take things one step at a time—one breath, one moment, one small act of creation. Maybe it’s a drawing with your child, a song sung together, or even just sharing a story about what you’ve been through. Each act of creation is a step toward healing.
In the days and weeks ahead, as we navigate the aftermath of these wildfires, art can be our guide. It can help us make sense of the senseless, connect with others, and rebuild what was lost—not just in structures, but in spirit.
So take your broken heart and turn it into art. Whether it’s through painting, poetry, dance, or song, creation is not just an act—it’s a promise to ourselves that healing is possible. One small piece of art at a time, we’ll find our way forward.
For additional resources to help children process their emotions, visit https://psarts.org/wildfire-resources-and-support/
