Creating Beauty and Building Futures: An Interview with Murphy-Harpst’s Artist-in-Residence, Christi Conner Tate
Murphy-Harpst is not just a place of healing and growth for young people, it’s also a canvas for creativity. This is thanks in no small part to Christi Conner Tate, our incredible Artist-in-Residence. We sat down with Christi to learn more about her journey to Muprhy-Harpst, her unique program, and the impact it has on the children.
From Private Investigator to Artistic Advocate
Christi’s path to Murphy-Harpst is as unique as her artwork. “I’ve been a licensed Private Investigator and contract paralegal since 1999,” she shares, “but have slowed down some which gives me the flexibility to volunteer. I’ve always drawn, painted and sculpted.”
It was a social media post and a pivotal comment from Board Chair Martha Carroll that sparked the connection. “Martha said I needed to teach art to kids at Murphy-Harpst. I had done a few traveling art classes with adults and kids and loved it, so I was curious and we talked. And I was in!”
A Residence with a Purpose
Christi’s commitment to the program is evident in her dedication to making art accessible to the teens at Murphy-Harpst. “My goal was to give as many teens who wanted it as much access to the art room as possible with a wide variety of paint and other media – all supplies to fit their hearts’ desire.”
But Christi’s residency is more than just a title. Living two hours away, she needed a solution to make her involvement feasible. “I asked Martha if there was a campground close by so I could skip driving round trip every day. I own two very comfy campers that I could use as home base away from home.”
As fate would have it, Murphy-Harpst had the perfect solution. “Coincidently, yes there was – on campus! The NOMADS (a faith-based mission organization that provides volunteer support for historically Methodist organizations) put in full camper hookups in this beautiful field where the kids ride horses. My fifth wheel is parked there. It’s given me flexibility to do classes as well as gardening projects and painting for the kids.”
More Than Just Art
Christi’s impact goes beyond providing art supplies and instruction. She provides a safe space for the teens to express themselves and to believe in their own potential. “I see these children as God’s work and each one is precious. I see that adults have often failed them and try to reassure them…that whatever brought you here doesn’t define the rest of your life.”
She recalls moments that have deeply touched her, “The times that arise when children who said ‘I can’t do art tell me what to do’ and I break it down to steps and encourage them, and two weeks later those kids are painting on their own. When kids decorate their rooms with their art. The other times are when an opportunity arises to tell a teen how valuable they are and how bright their futures can be.”
Christi’s passion for her work shines through in every aspect of the program. “I had one girl ask me, ‘Why do you do all of this for us?’ I say ‘You’re worth it’.”
And that, in essence, is the heart of Christi’s residency – a testament to the unwavering belief in the worth and potential of every child at Murphy-Harpst.