The 8 Project - Tomer Peretz

Art Therapy

Peretz Foundation.

Tomer Peretz, a distinguished artist and survivor of trauma from his military service between 2000 and 2004, as well as his volunteer efforts on October 7th, assisting in clearing deceased individuals from kibbutz Beeri and its surroundings alongside the organization Zaka, has founded an Art Therapy organization offering a unique approach to healing.

Having experienced personal transformations through art during his time as a soldier and later as an artist, Tomer deeply understands the profound impact of artistic expression in processing and overcoming trauma. His organization provides a secure and nurturing environment for groups and survivors of terror attacks to explore their emotions and embark on their healing journey.

Supported by a dedicated team of three experienced board members, including a psychotherapist, trauma therapist, and social worker, the organization offers a comprehensive and trauma-informed approach to art therapy. Through various artistic mediums, participants are guided in expressing and processing their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Harnessing the creative process, Tomer Peretz’s Art Healing organization empowers individuals to reclaim control, foster resilience, and find hope in the aftermath of trauma.

The 8 Program Model.

1. Los Angeles Healing Studio- LA IMAGE

a) Individual survivors

1. 25 residents through the course of the year in studio (LA Based)
2. Access to Mentoring
3. Access to monthly session with a therapist

b) Art Advisor: Launching projects of those who’ve captured traumatic events

2. Cohorts for those who have endured a mass trauma event (Two- 4 month cohorts per year )

1. 1 three day opening retreat
2. Monthly sessions
  1. 1 Individual check in with art expert
  2. 1 Individual checking with licensed therapist
  3. 1 monthly group meeting
3. 1 three day at retreat and closing exhibition

3. Hosting Groups – 8 art experts and licenced therapist will host a tailored sessions for groups who have experience mass trauma events (starting at a half day up to 3 days)

1. 1. In studio
  2. At retreat center

4. Rapid Response mission to mass trauma – traveling to the site of a mass trauma to provide art therapy with artists and licensed therapists

5. Art Installations: Art at the intersection of social movements and healing to bring significant awareness in public locations.

The Support.

If you wish to support our cause and do not need a tax-deductible receipt, please purchase some of our prints:

If you wish to support our cause and do need a tax-deductible receipt, please reach out to me directly:

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8 Art

Zaka

This painting was created by Tomer and his team from Zaka in Israel, the group that enlisted him to recover the deceased in the aftermath of the October 7th attack. Tomer aimed to convey the profound pain and horrific experiences they endured during those days. He invited Nicole to participate in the art project; she is a survivor who recognized her mother’s body in footage shared by Tomer on social media. Months after the attack, Nicole reached out, seeking to understand how her mother was found and whether she had suffered. During the art project, Tomer and his team addressed her questions, collaboratively telling her story on the canvas. The painting symbolizes their resilience and unwavering faith in God as they work to ensure the respectful burial of Jewish bodies.

First Responders

“First Responders” is a powerful collaborative painting created in Israel months after the terrorist attack, amidst ongoing conflict. It was brought to life by Tomer and seasoned warriors from elite units such as Sayeret Matkal, Duvdevan, Yamam, Egoz, Maglan, Shabak, and Oketz. These warriors were on the front lines on October 7th and in the days and months that followed, saving countless children and families from the Gaza envelope. Their stories remain largely untold and shrouded in secrecy, with their identities kept confidential. The art project became a rare platform for them to share their experiences, as many of them have been injured and lost close friends in the line of duty.Though these individuals had never held a paintbrush before, they poured their hearts into this work, embodying the strength and resilience of those who have dedicated their lives to the Jewish nation. The painting symbolizes their unwavering spirit and fighting force, capturing the essence of their sacrifices and commitment.

Survivor

This is the first artwork Tomer created with survivors, completed just weeks after the war began. Finding it difficult to connect with those who hadn’t lived through the conflict, he invited survivors to his studio to paint alongside him. As they gathered, they shared their experiences, pouring their feelings of sadness, pain, and hope for the hostages onto the canvas. This painting marks the inception of Tomer’s art project, serving as a poignant testament to their shared journey.