The 5th Annual Unspoken: Survivor Stories Exhibition

Arizona Art Alliance, in partnership with Your Art Your Story, proudly announces the opening of the 5th Annual Unspoken: Survivor Stories. This exhibition, running from September 7 to September 29, 2024, features artwork by visual artists affected by suicide. The annual exhibit provides a platform for survivors of suicide loss and suicide attempts to share their stories and raise awareness. The show includes original two- and three-dimensional works such as paintings, drawings, photography, digital art, collages, sculptures, and group art projects.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. If you have been affected by suicide, know that you are not alone. Join us in raising awareness by attending our exhibition, the closing reception, and art-making workshops. Follow us on social media and share our posts to help de-stigmatize this important topic.

Unspoken: Survivor Stories includes artists from around the world whose lives have been impacted by suicide, whether through loss, personal attempts, or professional involvement. Artwork from artists living outside Arizona will be exhibited virtually through an online gallery and social media postings.

The Dove Project
Throughout the duration of the show, visitors, artists, and guests are invited to add their fingerprints to the dove in paint colors that represent the way they have been affected by suicide. This is an emotional experience and an important part of the exhibition as the stigma of suicide causes isolation and exclusion. Participation in the Dove Project, the exhibition, or attending the workshops fosters connection and builds community

Art-Making Workshops:
Art-making is integral to trauma recovery, loss, and grief. Throughout September, Arizona Art Alliance and Your Art Your Story will host free art-making workshops. These workshops require no prior experience, and all materials will be provided. Space is limited. To apply for any of the workshops, please email info@AzArtAlliance.com

Art-making connects us with one another and helps participants engage in self-care and build resilience. These workshops encourage creativity and mindfulness, grounding participants in the present moment to reduce stress and anxiety.

-September 7, 2024: “Resilience through Mandalas” | 2:00-3:00 PM
Create your own mandala, infusing it with color and meaning through colored pencils or markers.

-September 14, 2024: Kintsugi with Kristel Nielsen, Tess Mosko Scherer, and Special Guest Artist Margot Stipe | 9:00 AM – Noon
Experience the Japanese art of kintsugi by breaking, painting, and repairing a ceramic bowl, symbolizing resilience and beauty in repair.

-September 21, 2024: Zen Drawing with Tess Mosko Scherer | 2:00-3:00 PM
Create a Neurographic drawing, a process designed to induce a state of flow and reduce stress. The workshop includes a brief demonstration and hands-on activity.

Virtual Exhibition
The exhibition will also be hosted by Arizona Art Alliance and Your Art Your Story on their websites, with promotions on social media.

Curators: David L. Bradley and Tess Mosko Scherer from Arizona Art Alliance, and Kristel Nielsen, founder of Your Art Your Story. This is a non-juried show.

Additional Information
For more details, visit AzArtAlliance.com. For inquiries, contact Tess Mosko Scherer at info@AzArtAlliance.com or 928-300-7185.