With Out Words

The Healing Artist Collective exposes the raw discomfort of the day-to-day struggles posed by emotional, mental, and physical health as a result of chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

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Without Words utilizes the visual language of art to express the personal, intimate accounts of each artist from the Collective in an effort to explore, navigate, and heal.

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This exhibition expands on their desire to grapple with the complexities of serious issues that disrupt their daily lives which often create a sense of instability and fear. This newfound crisis thrusts mental health and chronic illness into global consciousness. As a result people are realizing, now more than ever, that the resources and the dialogue about these issues are simply

not enough.

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​The artists utilize art to explore, navigate, and heal, as well as to educate the public on complex issues of trauma, mental health, and chronic illness.

The goal of this exhibition is to come together under the familiar umbrella of art as an agent of healing. Each artist shares their personal experiences and brings discussions of mental and physical well-being into the public sphere. When words fail to encapsulate the reality of these obstacles to well-being, the collective turns to the visual language of art to enhance their unique healing process.

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Without Words will be on view at James Madison University, Duke Hall, 1st floor, rm 1031, from September 4th – October 6th, 2023. This exhibit features recent artworks by the following artists: Naaseh Abdulrahman Abi, Adrian Scalzo, CJ Davis, Derek Farino, Michelle A. Smith, Moe Lewis, Liz Louise, and Tessie Van Dyke.

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Join us for our Closing Reception on October 6th, 2023 6 pm to 9 pm