FOCUS: The healing power of art

Art helps the community heal

Staff reports  |  The Gibbes Museum last week highlighted a way to use art to promote community healing following the tragic June 18 church shooting that left nine dead.

“Throughout history, people have looked to the arts for inspiration and healing during times of deep sadness,” an email said. “Members of the local art community are responding to the tragedy through their creativity, and the staff and board members of the Gibbes Museum have been profoundly touched by theses meaningful photographs, videos, drawings and illustrations that have been shared with us.

“We believe in the healing powers of art and are working with local artists and art organizations to create a community-wide art project to help with the healing process.”

The museum then shared four artworks that illustrated how art can help to heal:

By Craig Evans

By Buff Ross

“We Shall Overcome,” by Gil Shuler

“Mother Emanuel,” By Timothy Banks

In the days ahead, look for more art projects that provide inspirational messages. The Gibbes Museum is partnering with the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, and Redux Studios to present a community-wide art healing project led by local artists Laura De La Maza and Dianne Tennyson. More information is forthcoming.