Art exhibit to open dialogue on substance use

ARTS/ ENTERTAINMENT — Art will be the medium to send a message about substance use at an upcoming exhibit in the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre.

Bearing Witness is the title for the exhibit, which will run April 24 to May 17. The Kamloops Arts Council and the Phoenix Centre will partner for the show, which will feature both emerging and professional local artists.

“Substance use is an issue that affects so many of us,” said Kathy Sinclair, executive director of the arts council.

“Although there’s a stigma around it, by holding this art exhibition, we hope to open a dialogue and give people a chance to express themselves.”

Sian Lewis, executive director of the Phoenix Centre, called art “a powerful approach in helping people speak about a subject that is typically avoided, downplayed, ignored and very often misunderstood.”

All mediums, both 2D and 3D, will be accepted. There is no application process — exhibitors are asked to drop off their artwork to the KAC office in the Old Courthouse on April 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.