A Ville Platte woman is finding comfort through art to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic and a family tragedy.
She's the daughter of Joyce Thomas, the Ville Platte woman who went missing and was found dead earlier this year. Brecky Lavigne says working on a mosaic has helped her heal and she's hoping to bring that same healing to others during these uncertain times.
Under her artist name, Toshbug, she created a kit to help others create mosaic art. The kit includes all the supplies you need to create mosaic coasters.
"Art comforts always,"Lavigne said. "I believe that with all of my being because for me this really is a healing especially these last few months. We suffered a tragic loss with our mother and I just really gravitated towards the arts."
Lavigne is still grieving her mother's death, but she's found comfort through art."It allows you to express yourself because sometimes there are words that you can't really say and how you're really feeling. Through the art you're creating that expression. That's where the healing comes form,"
It's a comfort she wants to share with others. She also want this to be a way to help other children discover art.
"My goal is really for every child to have an opportunity to take part in the arts. Today it's mosaic art, but who knows that may lead a kid to engage in some other type of art. This is just one step and i think every child should have an opportunity to be exposed to the arts and that's what I'm doing by creating these kits. "
It's a hobby her grandson is now picking up on. He's helping her with the kits and take orders. Half of the proceeds will be donated to help others during the pandemic.
Lavigne says in each kit, there's a small memory of her mother. Thomas was deaf and unable to speak, but would often sign "I love you" to her loved ones. That phrase in sign language is placed on the packaged items. N"That's to remember my mom," Lavigne said. "That was the symbol she always did so that's to remember her."
The mosaic art kits can be shipped or picked up. For more information you can visit Lavigne's facebook pageor email toshbugcreations@yahoo.com.
Lavigne is also the president of the Arts Council in Evangeline Parish. To read our previous story on her work with the Arts Council click here.
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