“Shadows and Light: Community Mental Health through the Lens of the Consumer,” can
be seen Sept. 9-Oct. 4 in UW’s Gallery 234.
Gallery 234 in the University of Wyoming Union will host the exhibition “Shadows and Light: Community Mental Health through the Lens of the Consumer,” Sept. 9-Oct. 4. A reception will take place in the gallery Thursday, Sept. 12, from 5-7 p.m.
Sponsored by the Peak Wellness Center and by mental health consumers, the exhibition is a combination of artwork from mental health consumers that showcases experiences about what it is like to live with an illness that alters the perception of reality.
“We strive to persevere, live through it and regain hope … we are challenging both social and internal stigma; these are our stories,” the artists say. The “photo voice project gets us started speaking through the lens of a camera, taking pictures that share our experiences and express the joys, hardships and travels. As we move through, and come to terms with the experiences of the mind, we wonder if anyone else would understand.”
“The exhibition’s goal is to help the community put a face with mental illness, in an attempt to personalize it and challenge perceptions and prejudices,” says Ashley Hildebrandt, Gallery 234 coordinator. “Ultimately, the display will show how everyone is more alike than different.”
Individuals who need assistance to attend the show should call the Campus Activities Center at (307) 766-6340. For more information, visit www.uwyo.edu/cac.
