To promote mental health awareness and support, Cazenovia College’s Witherill Library is hosting an art exhibit and panel discussion both entitled, "Resiliency Through Art." The exhibition will feature artwork by students, faculty, and staff that was created based on their experience with mental health or during their own mental health journeys.
The exhibit seeks to explore the role that art plays in mental wellness as both catharsis and expression with the goal of spotlighting the diverse perspectives and nuanced experiences that comprise our campus community and impact on our collective resilience.
Students and staff can view the artwork on the 2nd floor of Witherill Library from Monday, March 29th, 2021 to Wednesday, May 12th, 2021, during the library’s hours of operation:
- Monday - Thursday: 7:45 a.m. - midnight
- Friday: 7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 2 p.m. – midnight
The exhibit is closed to the public to view in person due to the campus's no visitor policy, however the artwork can be viewed online at this link.
Panel Discussion
To kick off the Art Exhibit, a virtual discussion panel will be held on Monday, March 29th, 2021, 7:00pm - 8:00pm via Teams to talk about the topics of mental health, resiliency, and the creative process. Four professionals from the Cazenovia College community will share their insight into how creative expression can help people cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental illnesses, and how it can help them become more resilient.
A short Q&A session will be held at the end for audience members to ask the panelists questions.
The panelists are:
- Dr. Rachel Dinero, Program Director, Psychology
- Dr. Mary Handley, Clinical Director, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Program Director, Human Services
- Jennifer Cottet, Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student
- Maria Fazzini, Licensed Creative Art Therapist and Cazenovia College alumna
To watch the discussion panel live you must have Microsoft Teams. You can join on your computer or mobile device using this link. A recording of the event will also be available on this page: Mental Wellness: Resiliency Through Art: An Exhibit.
Resources
According to NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, “1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition.” Visit NAMI for valuable resources such as warning signs and symptoms, and education and support to help you or someone you know.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential support for those in distress as well as prevention and support resources.
If you are a Cazenovia College student, you may also call the campus Counseling Center and schedule an appointment.
(Banner image, "Untitled," created by Bethany Huffstutler '21, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program)