The newest art exhibit at the Cultural Centre focuses on a representation of hope as imagined by each local artist, to talk about mental illness and raise awareness for suicide prevention.
The ‘Hope Is. . .’ collection was organized by the Journey 2 Hope youth chapter, a local suicide awareness group recently formed in Moose Jaw as an offshoot of the larger Journey to Hope support group.
As the group of students began collecting pieces for display, they realized they would need more to fill the entire gallery space, so they reached out to the rest of the community for contributions.
The result is an eclectic array of inspired works that represent very personal experiences, in mediums that range from poetry to pottery to quilting and more.
Each piece of art depicts the artist's answer to the question, “what is hope to you?” The purpose is to show the prevalence of hope all around us and how it can be found in so many different places, to inspire hope for those who are struggling to find it themselves.
Unlike other art exhibits, some pieces actually include a written blurb explaining the artist’s inspiration for the piece, offering insight into the meaning of the work for them.
Upon approaching the Cultural Centre to display the collection, Journey 2 Hope caught the eye of the Cultural Centre’s artist in residence, Jess Zoerb, who submitted a few pieces.
One is a collaborative piece from Soul Co.’s tour around the province, where each attendee on the tour made a feather that represented their authentic truth that now makes up the two majestic wings of the piece. Another piece is actually a work done by Zoerb’s sister Niki Thorson, who passed away in 2017. In fact, a number of artists cite their own experiences with mental illness, suicide, and loss as an influence in their work.
Jan Stewart, a member of the Journey to Hope parent chapter and facilitator of the youth chapter, is impressed by the conviction of the teens involved in the group — which she describes as “small but mighty.”
Journey 2 Hope is made up of students from all four of the high schools in Moose Jaw, who feel the drive to speak out about mental illness and suicide.
“The purpose is to bring the community in to the circle of hope because we believe that with hope, suicide can be prevented,” said Stewart. “In those moments of despair, people can grasp onto something that hope is to them, and we can overcome the devastation of suicide.”
The group only formed in January, following a realization that there needed to be more youth voices in the local suicide prevention movement. Moose Jaw can certainly expect to see more from Journey 2 Hope.
The 'Hope Is. . .' collection will be displayed in the Cultural Centre until Sept. 14, which includes World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10. Just before the end of the exhibit, on Sept. 7, there will be an artist’s reception at the gallery from 1 to 3 p.m., as a chance to meet the many artists who contributed.
“Every single piece has a story, and that story is hope,” said Stewart. "It's beyond any typical art show. It's unique, empowering and enlightening and inspiring."
