Holly Wong, Trauma, Art, and Transformation, Panel Discussion at PAFA
Bridgette Mayer Gallery in partnership with the George Family Center for the Healing Arts of Rowan University were thrilled to facilitate a panel discussion: “Trauma, Art and Transformation,” featuring Gallery artist Holly Wong, Gallery Director Bridgette Mayer, Artist Dr. James George, and Inaugural Director of the George Family Center for Healing Arts, Morgan Yacoe at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Rhoden Auditorium.
The panel discussion is in celebration of Wong’s first solo exhibition at Bridgette Mayer Gallery, titled Incantations which features collaged paintings on shaped aluminum, drawings, and a room-sized installation that explores the themes of healing through mining of memory and the revealed beauty of personal transformation. Additionally, the panel will also celebrate the opening of the George Family Center for the Healing Arts of Rowan University and Dr. James George will have the chance to discuss the healing power of art and what this important institution will be doing for patients, caregivers, visitors, staff, and students. Gallerist Bridgette Mayer will share excerpts from her book, The Art Cure, and how art transformed and helped her to create a thriving life in the arts. Rounding out the panel, Morgan Yacoe will discuss art therapy and her experiences in art that she brings to her career and her life as the Director of the George Family Center for Healing Arts.
Art has the power to heal and transform those who have suffered from emotional and physical trauma by generating connection through shared stories. To showcase this potential, panelists will share how their relationship with art strengthened their ability to process, express, and overcome their past trauma and ultimately thrive in the world. The panel will also focus on the benefits of art therapy, by highlighting the programming of the George Family Center for the Healing Arts of Rowan University.
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