The Incredible Ways Art Is Helping Charleston Unite After Church Massacre

The Incredible Ways Art Is Helping Charleston Unite After Church Massacre - 

Early last week, a few artists painted murals on the walls of a warehouse around a vacant lot in Charleston, South Carolina, preparing for a celebration intended to fill the neglected space with sunlight, art and joy.

Then they learned about the racist attack at Emanuel AME Church, a historic black institution, that killed nine residents of their city.

Reeling from shock and sorrow, leaders of the community arts nonprofit organizing the event had to decide whether to cancel festivities planned for the solstice. It was a clear choice, Enough Pie executive director Cathryn Zommer told The Huffington Post.

“We felt that more than ever, the community needed to come together,” Zommer said. They added a vigil with candle lighting, songs and prayer. Artists made changes to their pieces. On Saturday, people gathered for an experience that mixed joy with sorrow, surrounded by art. www.huffintonpost.com