2022 Art of Hope Online Gallery
Art of Hope 2022 highlighted the works of local artists and shared inspiring stories about recovery, healing, and hope.
Participating artists shared works that delve into the world of mental health and mental health challenges.
The exhibit encouraged candid conversations around mental illness and wellness.
2022 Art of Hope was on display at Wunderkammer Company from November 10 through December 17, 2022. If you were unable to visit the exhibit in person, we present you this online gallery to enjoy the artwork.
2022 Art of Hope
Emotions
Lia Booker
Acrylic painting
4 in x 6 in
It has a waterfall of different colors with tear drops showing all the different emotions.
How I Carry It
Carrie Borkowski
Painting on canvas
8 in X 10 in
When I was younger, I hid behind my hair. When I got tired of it falling in my face, I cut it off and rejoiced in the freedom. When strands started falling out hastily, it reminded me to take care. It's a reminder to breathe when my hands cause the fallout. I hold my emotions too close to ignore as strands fall in my face and onto the floor. My emotions tainted the world as grey and made me scared to glance up enough to see anything else. There is much I have yet to notice shining in that darkness.
Imposter #1
Julia Bridges
Mixed Media on Panel
12 in x 12 in
When speaking with my current therapist, she said “I think you have impostor syndrome.” I thought, What’s that? and went on to research it. Impostor Syndrome or Phenomenon was "first described by psychologists Suzanne Imes, Ph.D., and Pauline Rose Clance, Ph.D., in the 1970s, the impostor phenomenon occurs among high achievers who are unable to internalize and accept their success. They often attribute their accomplishments to luck rather than to ability, and fear that others will eventually unmask them as a fraud” (American Psychologic Assocation).
Imposter #2
Julia Bridges
Mixed Media on Panel
12 in x 12 in
"Expert on the subject, Dr. Valerie Young, has categorized it into subgroups: the Perfectionist, the Superwoman/man, the Natural Genius, the Soloist, and the Expert" (The Muse, Melody Wilding). I feel like I fall into 3 of these 5 subcategories.
With these works, I'm attempting to dialog with my interpersonal struggles with Impostor Syndrome, Anxiety, and Depression. Even though I've had training as an Artist and have even achieved a Bachelors in Painting, I still can't see myself as an Artist. I don't feel like I fit in that world. I feel alone there and even out of place. Very much like a lost child. Therefore, these florals are to be hung upside-down, because I need to recognize my thinking is upside-down. Naturally, I should be confident in my abilities but I'm not. These works are partly painted using my training and part colored like a child. I continue to work with a mental health professional to work through my feelings of inadequacy.
Silhouette of a Woman
Tabitha Burks
Weaving with handspun wool and hand dyed wool
15 in x 20 in
I wove this piece with handspun yarn that I spun myself. The weft yarn, aside from the fringe at the bottom, is also hand-dyed yarn. I wove this piece on a tapestry loom. To finish the top of the piece, I inserted a wooden stick that I whittled myself. I was inspired by the feminine form for this piece.
Moro
Patrick Chesebrough
Acrylic on canvas
4 ft x 3 ft
The second piece is an abstract that examines fear. Babies develop the Moro reflex, a reflex to the fear of falling. This piece looks at that same type of fear as an adult.
The Crows
Patrick Chesebrough
Acrylic on paper
22 in x 25 in
This piece looks at the rule of theater in my life. Crows have always represented a message. The message is usually ominous and a warning. This piece represents my struggle with superstition and meaning.
The Warrior
Patrick Chesebrough
Acrylic in paper
14 in x 17 in
This piece represents a visual interpretation of what it is like to battle mental health in my life. The process is messy and at times painful but at the end of the day I feel it is beautiful.
Fostering Hope Together
Chi Eta Sigma, Honor Society, Counseling Department, Purdue Fort Wayne
Collage
36 in x 12 in
The students of Chi Eta Sigma, the counseling honors society at Purdue Fort Wayne, shared paint tubes, cut out magazines, engaged in fellowship, and put together this collage to support mental health clients in Northeast Indiana. As counselors in training, the students are committed to advocating for individuals who experience mental health concerns.
Hayden’s Friend Schizophrenia
Josephine Clarke
Acrylic on paper
10 in x 22 in
My brother always had schizophrenia, it was just hiding in the depths of his mind. It began to change who he was and alter his reality, affecting him and everyone who loved him. He was constantly in a state of paranoia, leaving him angry and depressed. This affected him for years till eventually he began to understand his illness, and we were able to aid him in his mental recovery. Today, Hayden is different from who he was but he has grown to accept his illness, he has more control over it, and is able to live in cohesion with it.
Masquerade
Ronnie B. Daniels
Acrylic and watercolor on canvas
24 in x 36 in
The "Masquerade" was inspired by my mother, who hid her mental illness. Like a lion fish, she was beautiful but toxic. The illness skipped a generation, but found its way to my first born. Symbolism is a key component, which is emphasized from the colors, style, and mediums. The 24x36 is told from my point of view.
Broken
Aisha Diss
16 in x 20 in
Self-Portrait
Depiction of the brokenness I felt during this time. Trying to capture the hopeless feelings I was experiencing.
Distressed
Aisha Diss
Digital Photography
11 in x 14 in
Self-Portrait
Oh, the state of things...
Self-Care
Aisha Diss
Digital Photography
16 in x 20 in
Self-Portrait
Taking care of me even when it feels impossible.
Circle Study 1
Hillary Doerries
Acrylic ink, acrylic paint, acrylic marker, and watercolor on canvas
20 in x 20 in
I find that I often begin a piece just by making shapes. Sometimes the shapes are recognizable, as in Circle Study 1; other times, they are more abstract. I love painting circles. The repetitive motion is calming to me and is a way to help curb my anxiety.
River of Grief
Hillary Doerries
Acrylic ink, acrylic paint, acrylic pouring medium on canvas
40 in x 40 in
I painted this a few weeks after learning of a loved one's cancer diagnosis. Artistic expression allowed me to process the trauma and uncertainty I felt during the sudden, unexpected onset of his illness.
The Blue Stem
Hillary Doerries
Acrylic paint and acrylic marker on canvas
40 in x 40 in
The Blue Stem was a bed and breakfast in Laporte, Indiana. An old farmhouse surrounded by beautiful gardens and wildlife, we spent our honeymoon at The Blue Stem. It features the dress shoes my husband wore on our wedding day in the backdrop of the morning light.
Joy
Cynthia Gabbard
Acrylic on Canvas
48 in x 36 in
I have experienced many depressed and anxiety filled episodes over 30 years of battling my mental disorders. I have also lived through many manic episodes. More recently, I have had times of reprieve from either bipolar state. These times bless me with much energy, gratitude, inspiration, and a certain level of “joy” that is otherwise beyond my reach. With this painting, I celebrate and encapsulate the experience of this state of joy.
Mother Earth
Cynthia Gabbard
Acrylic on canvas
25 in x 38 in framed
I’ve always felt strength and pride in being a woman and a mother. I like that I’ve been able to bring life into the world and sustain it. Thinking about my own motherhood, I reflect on the way nature has been a source of nurture and care for me and the power of Mother Earth to heal and refresh. Here Mother Earth is depicted - her head the sun, her body a flowing river bringing life to the blooming cloak around her. She has cultivated an overflowing scene filled with life, growth, and color.
Tell Me When I am Safe
Cynthia Gabbard
Acrylic on canvas
19 in x 23 in framed
This painting was cathartic for me. In response to a triggering situation, I stood at my easel and very roughly started applying darkness to the canvas.The resulting small gold face peering out of the safety of her larger mask is the true self to be treasured. She contemplates if and when it will ever be safe to let down her guard and be real. This woman is a composite. I want women to know that they matter and make sure that their stories don’t fall on deaf ears. A woman’s inner child, life and spirit are sacred.
Cat Games
Pam Gielow
Mixed Media, Stamping, Paper Collage
12 in x 12 in
I love that cats are ready to play a game as soon as you drop some string. Sometimes it's okay to take a brain break and watch a cat play.
Cozy Cat
Pam Gielow
Mixed Media, Nature Printing and Collage
12 in x 12 in
Cats seem to feel at home anywhere, they just find a spot and curl up to it. Sometimes they can be found curling up to any object, in this case a flower.
Lazy Cat
Pam Gielow
Mixed Media on paper
12 in x 12 in
Our cat continues to provide us with the reminder that sometimes it's okay to be lazy and just relax. She has to answer to no-one, she is her own boss. She is my inspiration.
Imperial Dawn
Christina Hoover
Acrylic
36 in x 24 in
It is a Star Wars scene, which to me, shows the perfect example of the battle inside our minds. Good vs evil, doctors trying to help us in our battle of mental Illness.
Twilight Dreams
Christina Hoover
Acrylic
24 in x 16 in
“Twilight Dreams” embodies the story of my childhood and my dream to be free. Free from abuse, free from mental illness.
Blue Wind
Kaysie Jankowski
Digital iPad
11 in x 14 in
The blue wind symbolizes that if you’re different from others, it’s ok to let out your true colors to show them who you are. You are perfect and beautiful, and the blue wind will be your shield from negativity and judgment.
Queen of Wings
Kaysie Jankowski
Digital iPad
11 in x 14 in
The queen of wings represents that if someone’s struggling is getting out of hand, they have to shed their worn out feathers and create new ones. Remember to fly and be yourself and show off your new wings.
The Rose Blossoms
Kaysie Jankowski
Digital iPad
11 in x 14 in
The rose symbolizes hope and joy when it blossoms.
Conversations with God
Jacob Daniel Johnson
Acrylic on canvas
16 in x 20 in
The painting I present is a representation of my hand reaching out towards a hummingbird flying above my fingertips. The scar on my hand represents the abuse I endured in a violent, codependent relationship. The void of color represents the isolation and lack of excitement my life had become due to my addiction to opioids. The hummingbird represents God, whom I prayed to for a better life; but couldn't quite reach due to not giving up my unhealthy lifestyle. The array of black and red represents hope and survival; something that was a personal goal of mine, leading me toward the path of recovery and self-love.
Mist
William James Lupkin
Mosaic - Mixed Media
24 in x 36 in
This mosaic was created by using a combination of materials that compliment each other into one unified piece.
Chapter 3
William James Lupkin
Drawing
9 in x 11.5 in
This piece is drawn to emulate the emotion of anxiety.
It's a Vibe
Jasmine Matthews
Oil paint and acrylic ink on canvas
16 in × 20 in
"It's A Vibe" is an original painting created using professional grade oil paints and acrylic ink on 16×20 canvas. Through the bright pops of color, images of doughnuts, and a golden tooth this painting was created with one word in mind: authenticity. From clothing choices to colors and patterns, we strive to find items and designs that complement the other. This painting was meant challenge the idea of normalcy.
Rise, Black Woman
Jasmine Matthews
Oil paint and acrylic ink on canvas
11 in × 14 in
"Rise, Black Woman" is an original painting created using professional grade oil paints and acrylic ink on 11×14 canvas. While this painting is of an African woman, I wanted for the gender of the figure to be determined by the viewer. Black women are diverse. From our hairstyles to our figure, there is a societal pressure to present ourselves in a certain manner to the public, with hairstyles being the focal point. Yet with weave, natural or no hair, we are still an embodiment of feminine energy.
A Great Path
Owen McCoy
Acrylic and watercolor paint on illustration board
16 in x 20 in
A long winding path to the great mountains. This path is the path of my brother. He has a mental condition that effects his every day life. Through this painting I am showing that his path might be hard and seem impossible but it isn’t. He will achieve great things one day.
Evolving Mind
Amanda McNamara
Acrylic and collage on canvas
31 in x 28 in
Manic, depressed, hypo manic and neutral. The inkblot brain depicts all of these episodes or feelings. Was she in a manic episode? Maybe she transitioned out of the manic episode into clarity, peace and stable. She takes her medication to maintain stability or is she possibly rejecting the medication due to pill fatigue. This piece is purely here for interpretation. A simple piece with a lot of depth.
Grounding Orange
Amanda McNamara
Acrylic and Collage on canvas
22.5 in x 25 in
Everyone was given lemons, I believe I was gifted oranges. Society is fierce with their depiction of what “normal” should be. My oranges keep me grounded. I do not fight against black and white societal ways, I just don’t think like they do. As a creative, there is always another way to create functionality. There is also a way to create, be “mad”/bonkers and still be a beautiful soul with pure intentions. I will have my cake and eat it too. I will always be myself. I will always be bipolar. It is not who I am, it is a part of me.
Self Portrait
Amanda McNamara
Acrylic and collage on canvas
18 in x 23 in
This is me in my entirety. Bright colors can be interpreted as happy, energetic but peaceful with the pastel tones. Yet, there is great sadness within me. I have a heavy heart. A big heart with so much compassion. My lips are blue because I can be harsh with my words; overly direct. Cold. My suit; hippy and carefree on the inside. Then again with a dark cloak of life’s heaviness that gets the best of me.
Alfonso the Anxiedite
Elsie Miller
Acrylic on canvas
16 in x 16 in
Girl feeling like she's being devoured by the monster of anxiety/depression.
Fluffy Nap
Ignacia Montenegro
Acrylic on canvas
18 in x 24 in
This Spring, we discovered a big group of feral cats that were living in our neighborhood. We knew there were two cats that frequented the area, but we were not aware that there were more, so we decided to participate in TNR (trap, neuter, and release) for their well-being. The routine of checking up on them and making sure that they get food and water every day has helped my anxiety quite a lot. With this painting I wanted to illustrate how the cats make me feel: they help take my mind off anxious thoughts and help me feel relaxed.
Self-Improvement
Ignacia Montenegro
Digital
18 in x 25 in
I am always trying to improve myself by reading books and looking at how-to videos. This year I decided to really improve myself and to become better professionally using new skills. As I become inspired by new things, creativity starts flowing right when I am trying to sleep, keeping me up at night with ideas. This is how I came up with this work. In this piece, improvement is depicted as a growing sprout that hopefully grows into a beautiful plant.
Identity
Addison Mumma
Oil on canvas
30 in x 40 in
A self portrait of the artist struggling with their identity for many years.
Lost
Addison Mumma
Oil on canvas
20 in x 16 in
This piece depicts the artist’s perspective of being lost in a sea of dreams and depression.
Fickle
Lucille Pflueger
Watercolor and gouache on paper
15 in x 20 in
Finding who you are can be a beautiful process. On the other hand, overthinking who you are is a dangerous rabbit hole. This piece shows both and the roller coaster of emotions they take you through.
Growing Pains
Lucille Pflueger
Gouache on canvas
12 in x 20 in
Growing up is hard. Transitioning to adulthood can be very intimidating and sometimes not all too appealing. Figuring out who you are and who you strive to be feels like a burden at times. My piece encapsules all the hard times that people have gone through in their journey and how they have grown from it.
Luminous Street Light
Lucille Pflueger
Ink on paper
14 in x 17 in
Some situations we face can make us feel overwhelmed and alone. This piece represents these situations and how there is always a light, no matter how dark it may seem.
Lost in Ambition
Kristen Quinn
Acrylic on canvas
16 in x 20 in
This piece is a mix of themes from a psychedelic background to staircases showing a never ending climb. This piece took 26 hours to finish.
Take Your Time
Jacob Ressler
Collage
8 in x 10 in
A statement on the struggles of recovery and the power of outside support.
Ebb n Flow
Zachary Stilwell
Woodworking
13.5 in x 13.5 in x 2 in
Wood with recessed grain that is filled with bits of scrap aluminum from a drill press.
Gyrate
Zachary Stilwell
Scrap Construction
8 in x 7 in x 6 in
Using scrap metal and abrasion tools, directional swirls were put in place. Abstract swirls are welded into place as well as its stand.
One's Trash
Zachary Stilwell
Wood working & metal
18 in x 17 in x 8 in
A treasure chest made from recycled pieces of wood, aluminum, and an automotive valve cover. I found the valve cover at a junk yard and the wood is from a house demolition. The valve cover has hours of cleaning and polishing, and the wood has been sanded and stained.
Pathways
April Weller
Acrylics
28 in x 24 in
Pathways is an illusion of what could be seen. As you look at this piece the first time you could see a black forest, a blue forest, a purple forest, or an ocean. From darkness to light to scary to speechless beautiful, is the feeling you feel. Is it confusing of some sort, or play with your mind in ways, you wonder? What else is hiding in it?
This piece is exactly how some feel in the world of today. Darkness is dark. Blue is the moon in the dark, while purple brings the beauty of the ocean you see beyond. This piece has one 18x24 inch canvas, and two 10x20 inch canvas and is painted on three canvas, to hang beside each other to show its pathways to the ocean. Pictures of my paintings usually don't do them justice, it's a must see in-person piece, and the only one I feel has a powerful meaning to each person viewing it.
Foundation
Robert Wilson
Foundation and ink on canvas
17.5 in x 14 in
The piece is a response to self-harm, the Foundation used to cover bruising.