Life & Work with Shannon Barnes of Woodstock Ga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Barnes.

Hi Shannon, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The BraveArt Initiative was formed from two passions. First I am passionate about my career as a mental health professional, with almost twenty years of experience working with community members who struggle with life/relationship stress, mental health, and/or trauma. I understand the importance of an eclectic solution focused approach that is rooted in empirical science and not pseudo science. I have a specialty in treating First Responders/Military and their families as well as a certification in Christian Counseling and Art Therapy. I am currently continuing my professional role as a trauma specialist at Tranquility Counseling Services, in Woodstock, Georgia.

I am also very passionate about the arts. Specifically, how the arts can be a tool for healing and growth. I grew up with a father who was an an accountant by profession but a talented artist by calling. After he passed away in 2011, I found my way into the art field as a therapeutic tool for grieving. This passion quickly grew to become what the community now knows and adores as Tranquility Fine Arts in Woodstock, Georgia.

​​And Then Two Became One

My husband Mike (Capt. Barnes,Fire Services) and I realized that these two passions could come together to create something new and beautiful. Many conversations were held around the awareness that “this community needs more.” Because God has a way of placing visions in our hearts, the BraveArt Initiative was born. BraveArt Initiative Corporation is a Not For Profit (501(c)(3) with one goal. To serve the mental health needs of our community through Neuroscience Informed Art Therapy. We have a specific focus on military and first responders.

This is not the typical Paint and Sip event. It is certainly not an art class. This approach utilizes clinical informed art therapy techniques to treat a variety of mental health needs as well as to simply give our community members a creative outlet to stimulate creative thinking. These services are facilitated and/or supervised by a licensed professional over seeing every detail. The clinical foundation is what sets our services a part from mainstream art therapy groups lead by artists with limited mental health training.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, but we have not encountered anything that would be out of the ordinary. We have encountered deceitful people, unexpected expenses, betrayal from friends, and struggled through the normal human emotions that accompany these experiences.

Starting a business, and a non profit that actually full fills a purpose, takes planning and problem solving skills. However, we refuse to worry over the small things. God has opened doors for us that no man could open. Our job is to maintain our faith, and to step through in obedience.

We understand that selfishness, self-serving, self-interest and greed, can contribute to emotional difficulties and society breakdown. These tendencies may lead to feelings of isolation and worry, as well as division and disconnection. We were created to need connection with others so isolation, worry, division, and disconnection are often connected to depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship stress, and other mental health conditions. Overcoming these challenges is a strong focus for The BraveArt Initiative.

Serious offenses often start with simple selfish thinking. Heartache and trauma often start with another person’s selfish thinking. This side of humanity will always be a challenge. As long as these concerns persist, there will always be a role for therapeutic arts. Through purposeful art, we can contribute positively to our community and help to increase life satisfaction and healing for others.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist and creative professional, I believe preserving the integrity of the arts is essential. Throughout history, art has served as both a medium for expressing positivity in our world and a record of important events. Today, as technology becomes more central to our lives, we can be mislead or accept biased information. This has also flowed into the arts. Over time, art itself has grown more controversial and has been used for self serving agendas. While art offers a powerful outlet for self-expression, art also has the power to speak to others. Understanding the message that is being relayed to the viewer is a serious responsibility.

Art is meant to communicate and connect, ideally inspiring, motivating, and giving people a sense of purpose. Art should not promote darkness, violence, or division. In all my endeavors, I strive to use art to enhance quality of life and to celebrate the beauty found in the world that God created. I am committed to not compromising my standards for the latest trends; instead, I strive to uphold professionalism and integrity in my work. My art is will always be a work in progress, entitlement is something I work hard to avoid.

My proudest moments come when strangers are drawn to my gallery and/or artwork and they receive an inspiring message. My painting style connects realism and expressionism. My clinical style is person centered and therapeutically confrontational. My business style is relational but built on reciprocity. I will respect, consider, and serve others. I expect those to appreciate and be thankful. I have very little tolerance for selfishness, entitlement, or enabling behaviors. When it all comes together and the art speaks an inspiring message to the collector, my job is done.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness comes from a mindset of peace. My peace comes from my spirituality and faith in my heavenly father. I experience happiness when I am spending quality time in my spiritual relationship to God, and quality time with my family and friends. Of course, my art studio is my happy place. It is a place where I can take a mind-cation from the stressors of the world and simply enjoy creative expression.

I have learned the hard way, that happiness does not come from money, status, or the role someone assigns to me. Happiness does not come from chasing others’ approval. Happiness comes from the freedom that is experienced when true purpose is understood.

Pricing:

• BraveArt Inititaive is a non profit organization that is accepting donations and monthly sponsorships

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brave-art.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilityfinearts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraveArtInitiative
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tranquilityfineartsOfficial