Dick Averns’ Recognition… Validation… Reassurance…Art + Mental Wellness
to
Arts Commons 205 8 AVENUE SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 0K9
Recognition… Validation… Reassurance… Art + Mental Wellness will be a collaboration between artist Dick Averns and SPARK Disability Arts Festival to utilize spaces in and around Arts Commons: engaging public audiences on the topic of mental wellness. The installation hopes to address feelings of invisibility and isolation that often accompany mental distress.
The key question being addressed in this initiative is: How do you create a framework for mental wellness? The exhibition will also include workshop opportunities that will encourage participants to self-express through collage, drawing, and text-based art. This project is supported by the City of Calgary and Calgary Arts Development.
Dick Averns is a Calgary-based multidisciplinary artist, writer and U of C Art Instructor. He is particularly engaged with art as a social practice involving community members. Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in adulthood, Dick is an advocate for improving community mental wellness through art, teaching, and volunteering.
Originally from the UK, Dick has an MFA from UBC and has exhibited and presented his art and research internationally, including being deployed to The Middle East as an official Canadian War Artist. When not teaching, writing, or making art Dick likes like to run, cross-country ski, and grow food in his back yard.