Purpose:

PEARL (People Experiencing Art for Rational Living) is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the epidemic of violence; and providing individual and group education and healing through the arts, education, and counseling. PEARL was formed by a small group of women who saw the need in Polk County and the region for healing through the arts, along with job-training and education.

The arts bring current clients new skills and experiences that they can apply to a wide range of situations, conditions, and careers. Art educators and art therapists are contracted as needed to assist in the provision of services to populations in need. The arts are an invaluable tool in helping people find ways to describe the unspeakable, to heal from psychological trauma, to find vocation, to exercise intellect, and to transition to a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

The PEARL Gallery is a unique mixture of contemporary and traditional artwork. Contributing artists are primarily from the Pacific Northwest and include such media as watercolor, oil, pastel, acrylic, fused glass, silk, pottery, bronze, jewelry and photography. All gallery profits go to support the PEARL program.