The Comox Valley Art Gallery has a new exhibition called SAFE opening on Oct. 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.. The exhibit illuminates the perspectives of people who are often not seen or heard. This is the culmination of research over the past year and a half by the Walk With Me social action team.
The team worked in a community engaged research project to uncover the human dimensions of the toxic drug crisis and possible solutions. The art based program explores the meaning of safe as understood by the users and staff of AVI Health and Community Service’s Prescribed Safe Supply program.
The exhibit came together from shared meals, conversations and art workshops, all led by Montreal artists Patrick Dionne and Miki Gingras. The outcome of these gatherings was learning what the group felt it means to feel safer. Out of this came the creation of imagery and words that speak to the toxic drug crisis and its impacts.
“It has been an honour for the Walk With Me team to work alongside and with the AVI Prescribed Safe Supply group - to share stories and art and visions for the future,” said Sharon Karsten, Michael Smith Health Research Bc Scholar and Walk With Me Coordinator, Vancouver Island University.
The exhibition is dedicated to those who shared their insights with courage, and to those whose lives have been lost.
The art installation runs for two weeks, from Oct. 9 to 12 and Oct. 16 to 19. A facilitated community conversations on the two Thursdays. Experience hospitality through a simple meal and see the exhibition.
To learn more, visit: www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com
