Pop of Orange: An Artbeat Studio All Alumni Exhibition highlights and celebrates the diversity and talents of artists who use visual art as part of their mental health recovery journey, on display in the Community Gallery at The Pavilion now until November 27.
This exhibition showcases 39 out of nearly 250 artists who have completed residencies at Artbeat Studio. The exhibit allows the artist to create in any medium and subject content as they wish, with the only stipulation that it includes a Pop of Orange – as much as they want in their piece.
Orange, a blend of the energy associated with red and the happiness of yellow, has been known to promote a sense of general wellness and emotional energy of joy, warmth, balance, creativity, and expression. Commonly, orange often represents the changing of the seasons, so it’s a transitional colour as well. The artists in this exhibit have all gone through a form of evolution – as an artist or as a person, or both since discovering the healing benefits of art-making.
We asked three of the artists to tell us what inspired their pieces and how creating artwork has been an important part of their mental health journey.
Josee Wiedmer - Pressed for Success
What inspired your piece for the Pop of Orange exhibit?
My art piece is titled "Pressed for Success" and it is inspired by my father. Many rolled pieces of paper have been pressed into place and shaped as a feather. This was created for flight, for his love of birds and his career with the airlines. He was an airport manager who wore ties and the paper I used to create this piece has a feeling of the silk fabrics used to fashion ties. It was so much fun to incorporate orange in this artwork and to be part of this Artbeat Alumni Show.
How has art been part of your mental health journey?
Expressing oneself with art allows a person to slow down to explore their issues, focus on the process and find meaning in their life. With this, there is a chance to find relief, and learn to communicate with yourself, and with others. These are such important tools that we all need to handle life's challenges with mental health.
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Rachelle Diddens - Energy
What inspired your piece for the Pop of Orange exhibit?
My piece was inspired by Artbeat Studio and all of the amazing people I’ve met there. Being that it was the first Alumni group show, I felt excited to exhibit with all of these wonderful artists.
My piece is about energy and connection and a reminder that we have one another to lean on. We can create boundlessly when we have the support around us.
How has art been part of your mental health journey?
I started refinishing furniture with my dad when I was young and found it was very therapeutic, I then found my way into painting. When I feel an overwhelming sadness creeping in, I focus my attention on art. The friends I’ve made through Artbeat Studio have been a crucial part of my journey. Artbeat Studio saved me from despair and gave me an opportunity that I never thought possible. I will never stop creating. Art has saved my life countless times.
Kevin Grummett - Sunset over Broadway
What inspired your piece for the Pop of Orange exhibit?
What inspired my piece "Sunset over Broadway" for the Pop of Orange exhibit was primarily looking out west of my (then) new apartment window at West Broadway Commons. During the pandemic, the view was always the first thing in the morning and the last thing at night I saw and often I was overcome with feelings of gratitude and beauty. The Winnipeg skyline can be, for me at least, spectacularly expressive, and simply like no other!
How has art been part of your mental health journey?
The art of photography has over the last few years become an increasingly important part of my positive mental health journey. I just read about a study from Lancaster University and the University of Sheffield where participants noticed an improvement in their mental health after taking a photo every day for two months.
Photography can be a form of meditation or mindfulness, taking focus away from thoughts and anxiety. For me, photography is not just a focus and a positive coping strategy but most importantly it is an art form which allows expression and empowerment.
Come view the show on display in the Community Gallery at The Pavilion now until November 27. The art galleries at The Pavilion are free and open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Learn more about ArtBeat Studio at their website artbeatstudio.ca.
