By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
An art show coming to the Orion Art Center is shining a spotlight on the stories behind the people’s creative creations.
Around for nearly 10 years, The Healing Power of the Arts is collaborating with the OAC and two other area organizations to use art as a means of expression and relief. The exhibit, which is open to all people and art mediums, is not only putting a focus on the piece itself but the back story on the inspiration for it.
This cathartic emphasis is to allow a healing to take place within the artist and establish a connection with the viewer who may be going through a similar experience that inspired the piece.
‘How this differs from a regular art show is that the people that enter it are able to share how the art piece helped them through their healing process,? exhibit coordinator Reggie Harrison said. ‘So it’s a little bit behind the scenes so you can get that back story.?
The two other organizations participating in the event are The Art Experience in Pontiac and Common Ground.
Both organizations, which use art as a form of personal crisis management and coping, will have the submitted art pieces on display. They’ll start off at the OAC and stay they until early September then will move to the other participating groups, eventually wrapping up in December.
‘It’s a cool marriage of organizations because we are so different so this show is neat because we’re able to reach out to many different audiences,? Harrison said.
A significant emphasis of this show is its call for anyone that feels inspired to create something. Harrison said that this exhibit is perfect for those people who never thought they were artistic but have always wanted to create something. Additionally, it’s helpful for anyone who would like to share their story.
‘Art has a great way of connecting people and it’s a universal language but art therapy is taking art and talking about it,? she said. ‘At Common Ground we use art therapy for people who are in crisis and can help them talk about what is bothering them.?
The art exhibit will feature artist Bob Dillaber, who is known locally as a ‘found artist.? Dillaber finds everyday items and makes them into a completely new piece.
He’s won several awards at that OAC and is a regular volunteer at Common Ground
‘Creating my found object art contributes greatly to the growth of my emotional wellbeing.? As I am creating each new piece, I am encouraged to fully appreciate, enjoy and engage in my own unique vision of life, including my intellectual curiosity and sense of humor,? Dillaber said in his art bio.
The projects can be dropped off at the Orion Art Center located, at 115 S. Anderson St., from Thursday, Aug. 6 from noon to 6 p.m., Friday Aug. 7 from noon -6 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 8 from noon to 3p.m.
The opening reception will be Wednesday, August 12th, at 7 p.m. at the Orion Art Center and will be there until Sept.9th.
All artwork must be suitable for hanging and created in the past three years. If an artist would like to have a personal narrative with it, it’ll be limited to 100 words or less.
Entry fee is $25 for up to two pieces of art. For more information and entry form, visit orionartcenter.org.