Doll of Hope — Steph Guillén

Feb 24

“Postmodernism is defined by art that breaks or blurs the boundaries between product and process, individual and group creation, and artist and viewer.” (Alter-Muri, 2007, p. 82).
Thinking about the above quote and reading about ways to make art through social interactions and community, I felt inspired to create a community *hope container*. The idea would be to provide a large glass container in a public space, along with some paper, gel pens, and other craft supplies, and invite the community to contribute elements of “hope” to the container. These could be found objects, created objects, written words of hope, etc. Once the hope container was full, I’d seal it and place it in a public space to be seen and appreciated by the community.
Then I thought, *what might I contribute to a hope container?* I created this “Hope Doll” in response.
I made the doll from a mini clothespin, two small buttons, hope-inducing text, and a pretty pattern cut from a magazine. The text was wrapped around the doll, creating its body, and I placed the pattern on top as clothing. The two small buttons serve as the faces, front, and back. I felt anxious during the creation process because my materials were so small, and the doll wasn’t “perfect.” But in the end, I was happy with the doll and what it stood for.
“Doll of Hope” (2023)
Doll by Stephanie Guillen
References:
Alter-Muri, S. (2007). Dissolving the boundaries: Postmodern art and art therapy. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 24(2), 82-86.

I’m an art therapy and counseling master’s degree program student, as well as an artist, writer, and program director with a strong background in communications, photography, art, and job search/employment strategies. I have a passion for uplifting marginalized communities through means that champion knowledge, growth, and empowerment. My professional history largely resides in working with unemployed mid-to-high level executives, refugees, immigrants, and newcomers from the Middle East. I’ve advocated for and empowered these communities through the mediums of online graphic communications, writing, education, workshops, program development, and art.

I combine skills in art, graphics, photography, writing, project management, content creation, social media, advocacy/awareness initiatives, program development, and research to make a positive impact.

Certificates in: Positive Psychology, The Science of Well-Being, Creative Writing, Therapeutic Art Life Coaching, Career Brand Management, and Social Media Marketing. Education in Graphic Communications Technology, Photography, Middle Eastern Studies, and International Relations. Pursuing a competitive M.A. program in Art Therapy & Counseling.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies while working full-time.

• Nominated for membership in Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, Sigma lota Rho Honor Society, and The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement.

• Recipient of the Global Goodwill Ambassador’s Humanitarian Award in recognition of years of impactful volunteer work, primarily in the refugee and international arena.

• Inducted into the Golden Key International Society with a 4.0 GPA in Middle Eastern Studies.

• Invited and accepted into the following committees and board: YMCA International’s Refugee College Scholarship Committee five years in a row, YMCA International’s Triumph of the Human Spirit Art Selection Committee two years in a row, United Nations Association of Houston Board Member & Global Classroom Liaison, World Refugee Day-Houston’s Panel Committee and Fundraising Committee.

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