Emotions of struggle: Exhibit features works of art by people struggling with suicide
Published 8:57 am Wednesday, March 28, 2018
- Lori Vandertie, office administrator at Austin Congregational UCC, said the painting, “Delicacy,” was among her favorites in the exhibit. Artist Alice Blessing said the painting reminds her that her daughter “saves my life, ties me to this world.” Photos Deb Nicklay/deb.nicklay@austindailyherald.com
It is unusual to be able to walk inside a piece of artwork; stranger still is having it speak with you.
Both are a bit unsettling, but this exhibit is not about making life comfortable for its viewers.
This is “What’s Left: Lives Touched by Suicide” exhibit at the Austin Congregational UCC. The exhibit remains in place until April 13.
The pieces, some 45 in all, are varied in size, message and media.
“Talk” is a red phone booth, created by artist John Bauer, that envelopes the visitor into another world once you have stepped into the booth. Visitors are urged to pick up the phone’s receiver and listen to Bauer, who asks that you listen to the stories to come, told by those who have survived or considered suicide.
Then, you are asked to write your own feelings on the inside walls of the booth.
“Talk,” by John Bauer, invites the visitor into the display – even listen to stories on the telephone inside. Then, the visitor is asked to leave a message about their impression of the exhibit.
It is a powerful medium, as are the messages scrawled inside, that say, “You matter to me,” and “One minute at a time.” Bauer was also a guest speaker at the church when the exhibit opened on March 18.
The variety has kept several church groups coming to see the exhibit, said Lori Vandertie, who is the office administrator at the church.
“But not so many individuals have come by themselves,” she said.
There is much to see. Some are fashioned in paint or photography, others in poetry and sculpture.
Some pieces were created in tribute to those who suffered and died; others reflect struggle to cope with feelings of despair. Each are accompanied by a message from the artist.
“The story we share is a story of transformation, putting the pieces back together from what’s left,” said artist Bob Carls of his turned maple piece – and pieces.
The exhibit is meant to spark conversation, and, “to explore the use of artistic expression in the process of grieving, healing and expressing hope,” according to the exhibit literature.
“Blue Woman,” wrote artist Teresa Vining, was a way to paint “my secret pain through her, and by some miracle, I was able to ask for help.”
“Delicacy,” a portrait of a smiling child, was also a reminder to hang on, said artist Alice Blessing.
“I tell myself that I can’t take my life. I can’t let her grow up without a mother. There are a million things I need to teach her …. So I have to get better. This is how she saves my life, ties me to this world.”
One long canvas, “Stigma,” will stay positioned in front of the church nave throughout the exhibit.
“The Empty Desk,” by Christine Baeumler “is intended to commemorate youth who have committed suicide in response to bullying” The back of the chair says simply, “Stand Up to Bullying.”
The multimedia exhibit is self-guided and easy to follow. It can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s general and arts and cultural heritage funds.
