For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Matthew Bizoe
Marketing & Events Manager
269.983.0271
marketing@krasl.org
FINDING RESILIENCY THROUGH ART
Krasl Art Center welcomes a new exhibition devoted to the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, and stress.
Wednesday September 11, 2019. St. Joseph, Mich. - Stress affects almost every part of our lives, from working with combative coworkers to listening to the daily news. What tools are available to thrive in these conditions? Krasl Art Center (KAC) welcomes Resiliency to the galleries from October 4 - December 1. This exhibition presents artwork by contemporary artists from across the nation who are exploring, celebrating and practicing resiliency through art. This bold, creative and mindful exhibition raises awareness of what resiliency means, as well as its critical importance to individuals and communities alike. Using the visual arts as a platform, Resiliency provides accessible tools for guests to craft their own resilient practices and gain empathy for others. This exhibition is free & open to the public.

What is resiliency?
Resiliency is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats and even stress – such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stresses. 

This exhibition was inspired by dialogue between KAC and Spectrum Health Lakeland (SHL). In 2016, SHL completed a Community Health Needs Assessment in which mental health emerged as the most urgent need throughout Berrien County. The same year, KAC committed to inspiring meaningful change and strengthening the community through visual arts as its new mission. Combining KAC’s expertise in art, and SHL’s expertise in wellness, Resiliency is a collaborative effort to improve individual lives and community in our area. 

Join us for the opening party Friday, October 4. The evening begins at 5:30 PM with a discussion on community resiliency by SHL’s Tasha Turner. The party begins at 6 PM and includes a cash bar, small bites provided by Bistro on the Boulevard, and an artist dance performance at 7 PM by Christina E. Fontenelle.

This exhibition features contemporary artists from across the nation working in painting, drawing & illustration, dance, and printmaking. The artists include: Rachel Corbin, Drawing, Nashville, TN; Alli Farkas , Painting, Dowagiac, MI; Christina E. Fontenelle , Visual Art & Dance, Chicago; John Gutoskey , Printmaking, Ann Arbor, MI; Ginnie Hsu , Illustration, Upstate New York; Olivia Hunter , Photography, New York; the monarq , Painting, Seattle,WA; Sergio Goimez , Painting, Chicago; and Martina Nehrling , Painting, Chicago. 

Inspired by this exhibition, artist Christina E. Fontenelle will present a workshop to align your inner movement on Saturday, October 5 at 11 AM at KAC, and Thursday, October 24 from 6 - 7 PM at the Benton Harbor Public Library. Fontenelle uses Dance/Movement Therapy as the foundation to navigate a space for people to discuss mental health and self-care. Through facilitation, attendees will be led towards creative non-judgmental exploration of what self-care means to them. This workshop includes an ice-breaker, guided breathing meditation and applicable skills/techniques that can be applied to everyday life.

In addition to this exhibition, KAC is proud to present the theme of Resiliency in its 2019 Member’s Exhibition , sponsored by Chemical Bank . Each year, KAC members are invited to submit one new artwork of their making that addresses the current year’s exhibition theme. All media, styles, and skillsets are accepted in this show that encourages creativity and community bonding. Collaborative efforts are encouraged and performance pieces will be considered. If you are interested in participating in the 2019 Member’s Exhibition but not a current member, please visit krasl.org or stop in at 707 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph to learn more. Works will be accepted on December 1 and 2, and the exhibition will be on view December 6 - January 20. Framing for the artwork accepted into this show is underwritten by Waterfront Framing & Fine Art, St. Joseph, MI.
the monarq, Portraits of Black Women I Have Yet to Name: I , 2019. Painting; Psychotherapist and Artist Christina E. Fontenelle; Olivia Hunter, Untitled from the Fragmented Fables series, 2019. Photograph.
Mark your calendars!
All events are FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Visit krasl.org for more information.

PRESENTATION WITH TASHA TURNER
Program Director for Trauma-Informed Initiatives at Spectrum Health Lakeland
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
5:30 PM 
KAC LIBRARY
A discussion on the Community Resiliency Model.  

OPENING NIGHT PARTY 
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

5:30 PM - Presentation by Tasha Turner
Program Director for Trauma Informed Initiatives at Spectrum Lakeland
Health (SLH), Turner will share how resiliency training aids individuals
and communities alike. 

6:00 - 8:00 PM - Exhibition Party
Explore this exciting new exhibition in the KAC galleries.  

7:00 PM - Performance by Christina E. Fontenelle
Experience resiliency expressed through movement in this specially choreographed performance. 

Featuring a cash bar, live music, and small bites by Bistro on the Boulevard.

COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR 
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9
12 PM
Featuring Forte Coffee, the official coffee provider for Krasl Art Center.

ARTIST WORKSHOP: ALIGNING YOUR INNER MOVEMENT WITH CHRISTINA E. FONTENELLE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 11 AM - 12 PM @ KRASL ART CENTER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 6 - 7 PM @ BENTON HARBOR PUBLIC LIBRARY
First Come, First Serve. Limit 30 participants.

2019 MEMBER'S SHOW ARTWORK SUBMISSION DATES
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 11 AM - 5 PM
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 11 AM - 8 PM

2019 MEMBER'S SHOW OPENING PARTY
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
6 - 8 PM
About the Krasl Art Center:
Krasl Art Center is a nonprofit art museum and learning center that enriches the lives of people living in or visiting Southwest Michigan by delivering enlightening art experiences through diverse education opportunities, meaningful events, and high quality exhibits and collections. KAC’s mission is to inspire meaningful change and strengthen community through the visual arts. To learn more, visit krasl.org.
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