Francesca Swanson studies an iPad photograph she has just taken of the Truss exhibit at the Agnes Jamieson Gallery.
Sitting in the Welch Room, she picks up an oil pastel and begins to draw her interpretation of the photo and artwork.
Socially-distanced from her, Helen Trinka is inspired to write from the image before her and Jeannette Muise opts for a pencil drawing.
The group members are part of Fay Wilkinson’s Haliburton Highlands Health Services mental health services group in the midst of a six-week program.
“Our theme is Being (T)here – producing short digital stories which will include photographs, writing, spoken word and art work,” Wilkinson said Nov. 12.
“This is a way for them to have their voices heard in a different way.”
She said the short, finished pieces will include their photographs, writing, spoken word and art making.
She thanked curator, Laurie Carmount, for giving them a tour and valuable information, and The Community of Making for lending the iPads.
Swanson said she found the visit to the gallery interesting and inspirational.
“It’s funny how each piece of art offers up a personal experience and different interpretation,” she said. “At the moment, I’m colouring the way I see this particular photograph and artwork and find it is actually unearthing a core concern of mine.”
The Truss exhibit continues until Nov. 28. Artist Carey Jernigan’s work features wood, light, and memory. She explores industrial processes, material culture, and the people and places they shape.
