Thresholds: Perspectives on (Y)OURselves

Identity: Perspectives on Y(OUR)selves is an extensive group exhibition of artwork created during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of Thresholds’ Creative Arts Therapy Program.  The exhibition features a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, collage and photography, and runs until Sunday, September 12, 2021 in Epiphany’s Chase Gallery.

“We are thrilled to support Thresholds’ Creative Arts Therapy team, and showcase the important work they do with artists suffering from mental illness and substance use,” said Aaron Baker, Epiphany’s director of art & programming. “This beautiful exhibition explores the meaning of identity and community, as seen through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is a touching representation of the artists’ personal journeys during these unprecedented times.”

Thresholds’ Creative Arts Therapy Program provides innovative behavioral health care that promotes empowerment, well-being and full participation in community life through art therapy. Through a series of virtual workshops, art therapists asked the artists in this exhibition to explore the concept of personal identity and how they fit into their communities, and encouraged them to examine personal values, strengths, abilities and community sociograms. All of the work in Identity: Perspectives on Y(OUR)selves was created during the pandemic, which shaped the artists’ perspectives on belonging and community. In a similar way, each art therapist was asked to consider their role in the mental health field and the work they do with clients. The fiber tapestry included in this exhibition is a response from each art therapist, representing their own growth and resiliency during the past year and a half, through their own creative language.

“Art therapy is an integrative mental health field that allows a vital and dynamic form of community and self-expression through active art making. Our artists build insight through developing and sharing their creative work,” says Claire Slater, team leader of Thresholds’ Creative Arts Therapy Program. “We are thrilled to showcase their work in this exhibition, exploring the ways each artist has found connection and support in their Chicago communities.”

Artwork featured in Identity: Perspectives on Y(OUR)selves is available for purchase, with all proceeds directly supporting Thresholds and its artists. The exhibition is free and open to the public. To schedule a viewing or inquire about the artwork, please contact art@epiphanychi.com