Tapp’s Arts Center Announces August 2013 Exhibit “The Art of Healing” & Seeks Participants Interesting in Healing Through Art

July 5, 2013

COLUMBIA, SC – July 5, 2013 – Tapp’s Arts Center, Columbia’s center for art, music and performing arts and artists’ studios, announces “The Art of Healing,” a unique exhibit showcasing artwork created through the healing process. The show will run August 1 – 31, 2013. 

“The Art of Healing,” a collaboration with Hidden Wounds, a non-profit aiming to provide peace of mind and comfort for military personnel suffering combat stress injuries and other postwar challenges, is designed to benefit those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) through artistic and creative healing. Jim Dukes, of Cary, N.C. and Tapp’s visiting artist-in-residence for July, August and September, will be the feature artist for the exhibit. While recovering from a traumatic brain injury and working through PTSD, Jim discovered relief in a creative outlet, photography. As artist-in-residence he will work with and assist local organizations and individuals who utilize art therapy or art healing techniques and help solidify an ongoing art healing program for the Tapp’s Arts Center. 

Participants are invited to use photography, writing, drawing, painting or mixed media or other art forms aimed at healing. This exhibit is not limited to individuals using art healing to augment their PTSD and/or TBI rehabilitation but also cancer, depression and other life-changing conditions. Selected artwork from the exhibit will be included in a photo book, with the participants’ experiences, as told by area writers. This photo book will be released and sold, at an exhibit closing fundraiser, on August 30 at 7 p.m. Proceeds from admissions and artwork sales will benefit both Hidden Wounds and the Friends of the Tapp’s Arts Center, to advance healing through art. This is a FREE program for participants but space is limited. The first informational meeting for potential participants will be Wednesday, July 10 at Tapp’s Arts Center at 6 p.m. 

 “We see Tapp’s as a community center and we’re excited about the possibility to serve those individuals who seek and lead recovery through art and share examples of these proven technique with our community,” says Brenda Schwarz, executive director of Tapp’s Arts Center.

Recognized Columbia artists, some who also provide healing through art, will share their work in the August “Art of Healing” exhibit at Tapp’s, including Sandra Carr, Heidi Darr-Hope, Mary How and Lyssa Harvey. The exhibit will open Thursday, August 1st as part of First Thursdays on Main.

 

Those interested in healing through art and participating in the program should contact Steven Diaz at Hidden Wounds at (803) 873-6540 or [email protected] or Jim Dukes at (704) 840-9008 or http://www.jjdphoto2art.com.

 

For information on submitting artwork and exhibit details, contact Brenda Schwarz at (803) 988-0013 or by email at [email protected]. To learn more about Tapp’s Arts Center and Friends of Tapp’s visit Tapp’s Arts Center online at www.TappsArtsCenter.com or on Facebook.