Sharon Wise

Washington, D.C.

Sharon Wise is an outstanding artist who uses her art create a vibrant colored self-portraits that illustrate her traumatic experiences and African-American heritage. Following many hospitalizations, she has learned to use the trauma she suffered as a learning and teaching tool. She is a performing artist as well as a painter. She uses a butterfly’s to tell her story draped in a cocoon she struggles to break free from the confines. As she comes out of the cocoon, she spreads her wings and becomes a beautiful butterfly. She then dances ballet of freedom significant of recovery as well. Many of those who have watched the dance tell about their emotional experience of weeping as the butterfly moved around the stage.

 

As a testimony to her recovery, Sharon has earned a Masters degree and is a PhD candidate in developmental psychology.  She also finds time to travel around the country speaking to government officials, educators, legislators, students and others in the community, sharing her experiences, strength and hope. She is also studying to be an independent filmmaker and documentarian.

 

Sharon is a recipient of a number of awards including the VOICE Award in Los Angeles taking her place among film stars and others recognized for their contributions in trauma informed care and mental health. She works with inner-city youth in Washington D.C. conducting arts workshops including a Pillows of Unrest project. As an advocate for the young people with whom she works, she has designed for them, a booklet that describes free places to go in the D. C. Area for entertainment, training and relaxation.