"Unraveling My Purple Sweater: The Beginning of My Journey Through Depression" Artist Amy C. Kinney
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 10am – 4pm (private group appointments also available)
This Exhibit is Free and Open to the Public and showcases 77 color pencil drawings which tell the story of Amy’s darkest moments as well as her early seeds of hope
About the artist & exhibit
Art has always been a constant in my life. However I never believed in the value of my creations and hid them in shame. It wasn’t until I was hospitalized for depression that I finally began to share my artwork in an effort to communicate my unspoken feelings with others. After finally expressing myself openly, I still faced healthy living in a stigmatized society. This new battle proved to be just as challenging and in some ways, far more painful. It felt like I was expected to make my recovery in secrecy. It is precisely this silence that creates the fear, shame and ignorance associated with mental illness. This event is part of my ongoing effort to educate the community and reduce stigmas as well as connect with people who may be trying to understand a loved one or are themselves suffering in silence. By focusing my creative life to help others, I have found that art is a simple yet powerful tool for engaging people in conversations about mental illness that are not whispered in secrecy.
“Unraveling My Purple Sweater” gently provides such opportunities for open conversations about mental illness. Experiencing the drawings takes people on an emotional journey while also establishing a meaningful link of unity between seemingly different populations. Dedication shells hang alongside the artwork on knitted scarves donated to the project. These shells are written in honor or memory of a loved one and remain as a permanent fixture of the exhibit. After writing a dedication, a visitor may choose where to hang it, most often going back to the image that connected to his own experiences. In this way the exhibit creates a living tribute to all those who suffer, telling not one person’s journey but instead a community of stories literally woven together through hope.
PeaceLove Studios is dedicated to breaking the "silence" surrounding mental illness by sharing a positive symbol and stories focused on creating hope, awareness and acceptance. PeaceLove works with other non-profit organizations to provide individuals with the promise of inclusion, integration, productivity, independence and an improved quality of life. We are honored to host “Unraveling My Purple Sweater” during the month of March, and bring this story and amazing art experience to the greater community. Together we are building hope, raising awareness, and sharing the healing power of artistic expression.
We are excited to share this beautiful art exhibit and powerful message of hope with the greater community. If you have a large group and would like to book a free private-showing contact Matthew Kaplan or Kate Salvi at 401.475.9778 or email us at info@peacelovestudios.com
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 10am – 4pm (private group appointments also available)
