Opening night was a success!

The highly anticipated opening reception for The Art of Mental Health took place on February 22nd. It exceeded my expectations, as we had over 220 people come to see it! I am so grateful for such a big turn out and I am still savoring it.

I am touched the most by the fact that it seemed to achieve what I was hoping for, i.e. bringing the community together and providing an inclusive and “safe space” for everyone to connect and “play.” Few people approached me sharing that it inspired them to start creating again, which filled my heart with joy. It was such a good feeling to witness people smiling, talking, and leaving the exhibition happy.

As you can imagine, it was A LOT of work. It also wasn’t a smooth sailing. On Thursday night before the show my husband ended up at the ER. He underwent appendectomy on Friday morning! He also insisted on coming to the show! I was so grateful for people who showed up to help us in the whirlwind of navigating emergency, parenting, and the biggest art event I have ever put together! I was reminded, yet again about the complexity of life and the need to embrace it fully.

It’s like weaving. It is so exciting to see the piece emerge in front of you on the loom, but the work is not complete until you attend to the “dark side,” a tangled mess in the back. Each time I weave I’m reminded of this and settle in the process of patient, mindful, and laborious clean up.

I am sharing few photos from the show.