Meet an Art Group Facilitator

Marianne Owens

"For the past 11 years I have taught photography at The Marin School in Sausalito. March 2011 will be my 14th anniversary with DrawBridge. I facilitate two groups one at a Mercy Services housing, San Francisco, and at the Family Emergency Center, San Rafael. It's been my pleasure to work with so many dedicated volunteers at these sites, and I appreciate the love and great energy that they bring to the groups every week.

"For six years until she retired from volunteering at the San Francisco group my dearest dog Ella was a loving part of our group, she never met a kid she did not want to kiss! All of these extraordinary people and Ella have contributed so much to the success of my groups.

"I have had the honor of knowing so many wonderful children, and have so much fun creating art with them every week. It is a privilege to work with the children, and to see them grow up. They have given me the gift of living in real time and remind me everyday to appreciate the moment."

Debra Capitan

"I began volunteering with DrawBridge 12 years ago at a Catholic Charities homeless center in Santa Rosa. Two years later I became the art facilitator at a low-income housing center in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. During my 10 years of facilitating this group, I've been privileged to create art with many children. The DrawBridge kids have taught me so much -- invaluable lessons such as appreciation for the present moment and how to be a better listener. I also work full-time for California Pacific Medical Center Foundation managing their fundraising direct mail program, writing, and producing collateral materials. I like my "day job", but I always look forward to the time I spend with my DrawBridge group -- it's one of the greatest joys of my life."