Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sara Salih. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sara, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I worked on was a PSA that I directed and edited called Heal The Cause. The PSA’s purpose was to spread awareness on sexual abuse statistics for females in the U.S. This project premiered opening night of the Women In Film Topaz Festival in 2019.

To me the most meaningful work is any kind of project that sheds light on important issues in our society that don’t get the attention they deserve. Those are the pieces that awaken, educate, and inspire. I was so moved and inspired by this project and the devastating statistics of sexual abuse, that the next year I created an international online support group for female survivors of sexual abuse.

Sara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. My favorite medium is abstract splatter paintings. I started participating and featuring my work in art shows throughout Dallas-Ft. Worth in 2018. By 2021 I began producing my own art shows-booking venues, artists, musicians, and vendors and coordinating events. At the same time, I was running an online support group for female survivors of sexual abuse. I really wanted to do more for these women. Eventually I made the decision to combine and expand my art market business of The Usual Artspects to not only provide opportunities for artists and artisans, but the organization now helps survivors of sexual trauma as well.

The Usual Artspects operates as a non-profit organization where creativity meets healing. The proceeds from our art shows, vendor markets, and silent auctions go towards creating affordable and healing programs for women who have survived sexual assault and trauma.

Our purpose is to create healing through art for female sexual abuse survivors. Our mission is to create advocacy, awareness, education, and resources for survivors through various art and social events.

Our vision for the future is to provide prevention education that promotes social change to end sexual abuse and design affordable artistic programs of healing for survivors. We will do this through diverse and self-expressive programs comprising art therapy, music/voice/sound healing, creative writing courses, martial arts/self-defense classes, and improvisational comedy.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Think outside the box. Stop ordering gifts on Amazon and from chain stores. Shop for art, jewelry, and even bath products from local artists and artisans and small business owners.

It’s also important to remember that art heals. Creative intervention has proven to foster powerful healing properties and sense of well-being and can be a valuable tool to help trauma survivors address the often unbearable pain in their lives.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My personal mission, and the mission of The Usual Artspects, is to shed some serious light on the disturbing statistics of female sexual abuse victims (which is 1 in 2 women in the United States), along with creating a safe community and artistic programs to help survivors cope and heal from the devastating psychological, emotional, and physical side effects of their abuse.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theusualartspects.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theusualartspectsdfw/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theusualartspects
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sararosesalih/
• Other: Donate: https://www.theusualartspects.com/donate