Artists Find Creative Solace in New Exhibition

STILLWATER, MN— In Mental Health, finding creative solace, over 60 artists will come together to share their experiences of mental health, overcoming stigma, and neurodiversity. This exhibition will start a month of NEA Big Read activities revolving around Kevin Wilson’s novel Nothing to See Here, from which the programs and exhibition gain inspiration.
"There are so many emotions, stigma, struggles and healing that surround mental health," said Heather Rutledge, ArtReach's executive director. "This group exhibition is an opportunity for artists to express their perspectives and for viewers to consider how art can help one find solace and strength."

With artists from Minnesota and Wisconsin, ArtReach will show a wide variety of work. Over 100 artworks from sculpture, painting, illustration, bookmaking, and so much more will be on display for viewers to reflect on. Because of the overwhelming response to the Call for Artists, ArtReach St Croix has partnered with the Washington County Historic Courthouse to show the work at two locations.

This group exhibit will reflect on potentially triggering subjects. If you, or someone you know, has gone through a hard time with mental illness, self-harm, substance abuse, disordered eating, or death, please come prepared to encounter these subjects.

Mental Health, finding creative solace will open with a public reception on April 3 from 6-8pm at ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th Street, Stillwater MN. The exhibit will be on view through May 10 at ArtReach which is open Wednesday - Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, 12-4 p.m. Part of the exhibition will be on view through May 11 at Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine Street W, Stillwater MN. The Courthouse is open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Both exhibition sites are free and open to everyone.

To learn more about NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley and find information about the full month of programming, visit artreachstcroix.org/bigread
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NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is presented by ArtReach St. Croix in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller, Hazelden Betty Ford, Franconia Sculpture Park, Stillwater Public Library and other libraries located between St. Croix Falls, WI, and Hastings, MN.

ArtReach St. Croix is a nonprofit regional arts organization committed to the mission of connecting communities to the arts throughout the St. Croix Valley. ArtReach supports the work of artists and arts organizations through events, marketing initiatives and education opportunities that foster and celebrate the visual, literary and performing arts in the St. Croix Valley. The work of ArtReach St. Croix is made possible through generous donations from individuals and grants from foundations.