A nun finds that the arts help heal the spirit.

Byline: FROM HEART TO HEART By Sister Margaret Graziano For The Register-Guard

As the oldest daughter in a family of eight children, I had many responsibilities. These were lightened by getting the younger ones together and planning performances. Entertainment consisted of original plays, songs with piano accompaniment, and rhythmical kitchen utensil instruments.

At school, my love for art, music and drama continued. As my high school years were nearing an end, I began to discern what my future would be. I realized that I was being called to devote myself to a religious life. I joined the Sisters of the Holy Names, whose mission encompassed all the ministries of the faith, including special regard for the poor and justice issues, both local and global.

After my formative years, I was assigned to Christie School at Marylhurst, Lake Oswego. Throughout my teaching years, I realized the significance of daily classes in religion, music and weekly art classes. How could I keep from singing, having art classes and developing spirituality?

I also had a growing interest in kids at risk.

I enjoy the challenge of encouraging the slow learner, of motivating the gifted and of pointing out a different path to those in trouble with the law. Opportunities opened up for me to share creative arts at the Young Musicians and Artists Camp, MacClaren School for Boys, religious vacation schools, rest homes and treatment programs for the addicted.

In the chemical dependency field where I work now, I aim for treatment, hope and healing. One client took the ponderosa pine needle basket she was working on in class on her train trip. During the long ride, she knew this project kept her from using drugs. Another client became so proficient at making `Ojo de Dios' (God's Eye) with sticks and yarn, that she later made a business out of selling them.

Creative expression is often healing. Recent literature indicates the arts are taking on a bigger role in health care. The benefits show a lowering of stress and reduced hospital stays.

When a volunteer program started at the jail, so began my journey into the lives of men and women we often choose to forget. Promoting the arts continues, along with a weekly group for meditation, a short story and singing. An early endeavor was a mural on a discolored wall. Although the old jail was torn down, this work of art is now in the hands of a Eugene artist.

A 2005 calendar of inmate art work is now at the printers. Some of the artwork has been published in magazines, booklets and newspapers.

As president of the International Correctional Arts Network, my goal is to promote the arts in jails and prisons. It brings a sense of self-esteem to those incarcerated and also lets the community know that these men and women have talents. I just try to help them find these `glimpses of the soul.'

Sister Margaret Graziano is a sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and a chaplain for the Lane County Adult Corrections. "Heart to Heart" is coordinated by the Two Rivers Interfaith Ministries, a network of more than 35 spiritual traditions in the Eugene-Springfield area. For more information, call 344-5693.