Reaching Deep: Transforming Trauma Through Art

 

On Friday, February 17th from 5p-8p H*Art Gallery TN will present an art exhibit called Reaching Deep: Transforming Trauma Through Art. This therapeutic project was developed by Gail Bacher, a board certified art therapist employed at the Memphis VA Medical Center and funded through a grant from VSA (Very Special Arts). The opportunity was offered to both male and female veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Each participating veteran, with the help of Gail Bacher, worked to understand a traumatic event using art materials over a period of months. The concept, materials, and process helped participants to non-verbally remember the event in a new way aiding in their recovery.

One of those participating was Joseph Eckles. He says, “My painting represents two aspects of my time at Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam (1969-71). While days at Da Nang were deceptively peaceful, nights gave the Viet Cong a powerful ally: darkness.” In his painting a single serviceman stands outside the action, dwarfed by the walls of revetment. “He faces away from the chaos but danger is close behind; constant vigilance and anxiety exhaust him, numb him. He is alone.”

 Gail has been working with many veterans with PTSD for 9 years. She says, “Many times it (PTSD) leaves them with feelings and thoughts that are unclear and inaccessible. Art therapy helps veterans work from the inside out.  Nonverbal self-expression with art can help clarify inner experiences and express feelings that words cannot. Art making can help provide new insights, relieve fear, anxiety and depression.”

H*Art Gallery TN, located at 645 Marshall Ave., is a nonprofit art gallery that works with the homeless, those experiencing mental or physical challenges, and other nontraditional artists. For more information please visit www.hartgallerytn.com.