Hospice Savannah, a non-profit organization that provides end-of-life care and support, is hosting its annual Summer Nights Party on August 17, 2023, at Soho South, a restaurant and event venue in downtown Savannah. The party, titled “Colores Calidos”, will feature artwork by SOY X SOY, a collective of local Latin, Hispanic, and Native American artists. The event aims to raise funds for the healing arts of music and massage therapy offered by Hospice Savannah.
SOY X SOY: A diverse and vibrant collective
SOY X SOY (pronounced “soy como soy”, which means “I am how I am” in Spanish) was established in 2022 by a group of contemporary Latin, Hispanic, and Native American artists who wanted to uplift their cultural experiences and identities through art. The collective includes painters, photographers, writers, musicians, bartenders, chefs, and more. Their works explore themes such as immigration, identity, spirituality, history, and social justice.
Some of the members of SOY X SOY are Tafy LaPlanche, a painter who creates colorful portraits of women and animals; Adriana Iris Boatwright, a photographer who captures the beauty and diversity of Savannah; Diego Cardenas, aka Lé Dieguê, a social media coordinator and musician who mixes Latin rhythms with electronic beats; Jomar Santos, a mixologist who crafts creative cocktails with regional flavors; and Rob Hessler, a curator and artist who creates intricate drawings of imaginary landscapes.
Colores Calidos: A celebration of art and culture
Colores Calidos (which means “warm colors” in Spanish) is the name of the exhibition curated by Peter Roberts of Location Gallery for the Summer Nights Party. The exhibition will showcase original artworks by SOY X SOY members, as well as a digital slideshow of their works. The artworks will be available for auction online at app.galabid.com/colorescalidos/items. The proceeds from the auction will support the healing arts programs of Hospice Savannah.
The Summer Nights Party will also feature live music by the Jody Espina Trio, a jazz band led by saxophonist Jody Espina; dancing with DJ Precisa, a female DJ who spins Latin and global tunes; heavy hors d’oeuvres by Soho South; and signature cocktails by Jomar Santos. The party will be a multi-sensory experience that celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of Latin and Native American cultures.
Healing Arts: A vital service for Hospice Savannah
Hospice Savannah is a non-profit organization that provides compassionate care and support for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Hospice Savannah offers a range of services, such as medical care, nursing care, social work, spiritual care, bereavement counseling, volunteer support, and more. One of the unique services that Hospice Savannah offers is the healing arts program, which includes music therapy, massage therapy, and story keeping.
Music therapy is the use of music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of patients. Music therapists use various techniques, such as singing, playing instruments, listening to music, writing songs, or improvising music. Music therapy can help patients reduce pain, anxiety, depression, agitation, isolation, and enhance quality of life.
Massage therapy is the use of touch to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Massage therapists use various techniques, such as stroking, kneading, rubbing, or tapping. Massage therapy can help patients relax muscles, improve blood circulation, reduce stress hormones, ease discomforts from symptoms or treatments.
Story keeping is the process of recording the life stories of patients through interviews or conversations. Story keepers use various methods to capture the stories in audio or video formats. Story keeping can help patients preserve their memories, express their feelings or values or wishes.
The healing arts program is funded by donations from generous supporters like you. By attending the Summer Nights Party or bidding on the artworks online at app.galabid.com/colorescalidos/items., you can help Hospice Savannah continue to provide this vital service to patients and families in need.
