Burlington, VT— Howard Center Arts Collective will host a reception on October 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the Storytelling Salon of the Fleming Museum in celebration of their latest exhibit. Call & Response portrays personal and political interpretations of the artists, including commentary on Vermont’s involvement in the eugenics movement regarding race, mental health, and disabilities.
A 12-minute video documentary will be screened at 6 p.m., in which the artists and museum staff discuss the unique nature of the collaboration, meanings behind the art, and artists feelings about contemporary issues such as: racism, elitism, and the challenges of refugees.
Call & Response features artwork created by 15 artists. Each artist selected a piece from the Fleming Museum online archives, viewed and discussed their selections in-person with other artists and museum staff, and responded with reimagined creations.
The exhibit represents a 5-month-long collaboration with the Fleming Museum. The exhibit is the first time the Collective has embarked on this collaborative approach to creating and exhibiting artwork and will be on display until December 9.
Howard Center Arts Collective is an alternative arts program for people who have lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges. The Arts Collective promotes wellness, self-esteem, and dignity by creating a safe and nurturing space for artists to make art, exchange ideas and learn new techniques, experience a supportive connection with other artists, and exhibit their artwork in public galleries and spaces.
For more information, please contact pdetzer@howardcenter.org or visit howardcenter.org/community-education/connections-2022
####
MISSION STATEMENT: Howard Center Arts Collective values the transformative power of the creative process on a personal, social, and systemic level, and we acknowledge that we are stronger when everyone has a voice.
ABOUT HOWARD CENTER: Howard Center has a long and rich history as a trusted provider in the community. With a legacy spanning more than 150 years, we have been providing progressive, compassionate, high-quality care and supports to those in need. Today, we offer an array of exemplary mental health, substance use, and developmental services across the lifespan. As Vermont’s largest social service organization, our 1,600 staff help more than 19,000 people each year in over 60 locations throughout Vermont in collaboration with hundreds of community partners. Howard Center’s 24/7/365 crisis service, First Call for Chittenden County, is available to meet the needs of Chittenden County children, adults, and families in crisis by calling 802-488-7777. www.howardcenter.org. Help is here. A United Way of Northwest Vermont Funded Agency.