Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with Images of Resilience

CONNECT Summit County, Park City Summit County Arts Council, and the Kimball Art Center have partnered to present Images of Resilience. This exhibit will showcase resilience - finding balance in the midst of chaos - through the medium of art.

Art showcased will be from Summit County community members who have digitally submitted examples of how art of all forms, including photography, paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and graphic designs, have demonstrated how practicing creativity has impacted them in a positive way and made them feel resilient. This article, published by Psychology Today states, “Adversity is a fact of life. Resilience is that ineffable quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back at least as strong as before. Rather than letting difficulties or failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes.” This digital exhibit will focus on the importance of resilience as a way to navigate life’s challenges while adapting and growing.  

University of Utah’s Dr. Scott Langenecker will be at the event to share how resilience can be learned, cultivated and strengthened. “Art practices, regardless of media, are an integral part of the human experience.” Dr. Langenecker notes the importance of art to mental wellness, stating “Studies suggest that art is a core aspect of mental health care, integrated at the individual and group levels, in both professional and personal settings. Incorporating art into wellness plans can speed up recovery and help maintain health, facilitating resilience.” The event will also include an area for adults and children to create art. This special exhibit will be held at the Community Room in the Park City Library on May 22nd from 6:30 - 8:30pm.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM), and along with Images of Resilience, CONNECT Summit County is hosting a month-long consumer education campaign with FREE talks, films and events on a range of issues. Topics will include grief and loss, resilience through art, the Brainstorm Film Festival, the Ask Me Anything teen panel discussion. A complete schedule and program details are available at CONNECT Summit County.