Restoring Dignity Exhibit at the Burchfield Penney Art Center: May 19

Native Americans and others who are recovering from addiction and mental illness are showcasing the art they created to help them on their journey in the one-day exhibit Restoring Dignity Through the Arts, Saturday, May 19, at the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

The artists, who reside in both Western New York and Ontario have contributed a wide range of artwork including paintings, sculpture, weavings, photography, poetry, music, and video. The exhibit runs from noon to 5:00 p.m. and admission is free.

Also, contemporary dancer Julia Jamieson will perform at 12:30 p.m., and Native American dancers will perform at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. in the Burchfield Penney Auditorium.

“The participants have expressed strength through their artwork,” said exhibit coordinator Allan Jamieson, who works with the Native American population through a local non-profit organization. “We are encouraging them to interact with others in the exhibit and realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

An independent panel of judges will select works on Saturday to feature in another exhibit that will tour in Niagara and Genesee counties. The artwork also will be on view at www.wnyil.org and www.wnyil.org/oahiio.

In tandem with the exhibit, there will be a poster display and contest. The same panel of judges will determine three winners who will receive cash prizes. The posters must touch on at least one of four themes: “Recovering through Empowerment,” “Social Inclusion,” “Prevention of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness,” and “Public Awareness and Support.”

The Restoring Dignity exhibit is sponsored by the Native American organization OAHIIO, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Western New York Independent Living Inc., and Buffalo State’s Exceptional Education Department and School of Education.

“This is something we fully support,” said Kevin Miller, chair and professor of exceptional education. “While our primary mission is to prepare educators of children, we feel it’s important to sponsor and promote events for adults as well.”

For more information, call (716) 603-4546.