Refugee Art Exhibit Coming to Marian University

Refugee Art is an exhibit featuring creative works by Burmese, Syrian and Somalian refugees in the Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services and Art of the Soul Studio art therapy program. The exhibit will be on display in the Marian University Art Gallery located in the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences from January 16-February 17, 2017. An opening reception of the exhibit will be held Thursday, January 19 from 4-6 p.m. The exhibit and the reception are generously funded by the Talbot Street Art Fair and Catholic Charities and are free and open to the public.

Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services and Art of the Soul Studio have partnered to provide art therapy to refugees relocating to the Indianapolis area. The art therapy program is funded by the Preferred Communities Program of the Administration for Children and Families/US Department of Health and Human Services. The art therapy program supports the commitment of Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services in promoting human dignity by assisting refugees transition to a new community and empower refugees to achieve self-sufficiency.

Currently, Art of the Soul therapists conduct art therapy groups with refugees from Burma, Syria, and Somalia. The goals of the art therapy groups include increasing independence and resiliency, improving stress reduction and relaxation skills, and creating a sense of community and group cohesion. The artwork from this program varies from drawing, painting, printmaking, fiber arts, and clay.

The Marian University Art Gallery (Evans Center) is located on the north end of the second floor of the Michael Evans Center for Health Sciences on the Marian University campus. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, although appointments at later times are welcome. Please contact Gallery Director Crystal Vicars-Pugh at cvicarspugh@marian.edu or 317.955.6665 for additional information.