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WHERE ART LIVES, PEOPLE GROW
May 31 @ 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Envision Arts Gallery is excited to celebrate the works by Landen Blake Swearingen in his first solo exhibition titled Where Art Lives, People Grow on Final Friday May 31, 2024.
As an artist and nurse, Landen Blake Swearingen is a Wichita native who combines his career and education to advocate and support nonprofits and other entities through art. So far, Landen has benefitted 14 nonprofits through art, some of which multiple times, educating the community about mental health along the way. Landen breathes life into community art projects by engaging the public in creative facets with a mission in mind. He has worked with acrylic, watercolor, oil, charcoal, spray paint, paper mache, mosaic, photography, and fabric, pastels, oil, and lots of mixed media; He has even constructed a rock garden! Landen also enjoys writing poetry and song lyrics. Landen’s artistic affirmation “Where art lives, people grow” rings true in his life from his personal struggles, and he hopes to make an impact and difference in his community through fine art, health education, creative events, and advocacy.
Artist Statement
Through the expression in my artworks, I want to make known the prevalence of Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and how we stigmatize it. Being diagnosed with SMI, I want to use my experiences to advocate and educate those who are unaware of how mental health is vitally important and impactful to society as a whole; You never know who is going through hardships or crises, when you will encounter a time to possibly help someone, or if you will ever need help yourself. There are many different illnesses a person cannot control and therefore they should not be stigmatized. With my art and nursing education, I want to help create artistic spaces of openness to inspire empathy and education. Together we can break down stigmas, rally in support of family, friends, and those battling SMI, instilling within our community kindness, and understanding.
During the month of May, Mental Health Awareness Month, the Envision Arts Gallery will be committed to joining this national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Art is a powerful tool for self-care and mental health. Studies have shown that expression through art can help people with depression, anxiety, and stress.
Follow Landen Blake Swearingen at www.landenblakeswearingenart.com
Join us for Final Friday at the Envision Arts Gallery on May 3 from 5:00 – 10:00 PM for a closing reception for this exhibition.
Throughout the evening you will meet the artist, experience the artwork, and participate in art activities inspired by the exhibition.
Final Friday, May 31st
5:00 – 10:00 PM
801 E. Douglas Ave, Suite 106
Wichita, Kansas 67202
The Envision Arts Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed for lunch 12:00-1:00 PM). We are also open the Second Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Free and open to the public
On display May 1–31 in our Patricia A. Peer Window Gallery
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