For the past 16 years, the Telfair Museum has honed in on the idea that artistic creation can be therapy: that by use of creative medium, patients can explore the depths of their illnesses, physical and mental disabilities, and recoveries. In partnership with local organizations and the city of Savannah, the Telfair Museum presents I Have Marks to Make, an exhibit of art created as therapy.
Held on the second floor of the Telfair’s Jepson Center, this exhibit features the work of more than 100 local artists of all ages. Children created much of this year’s exceptional work, and artists worked both in groups and independently.
“This is not just a show of art,” says Harry DeLorme, the exhibits coordinator and the muesum’s senior curator of education. “This is a show of the healing power of art.” The museum does not curate the show, allowing the artists to create alternative art, folk art, fine art, in whatever form or genre, in whatever medium, that best expresses their thoughts. The focus lies on the meaning of the piece. All visual mediums may be used and the opening reception includes a written and a performance program. DeLorme says it’s an opportunity for those participating to tell stories. “And it helps individuals connect with others. There have been some very emotional readings, and the families [of those in recovery] participate as well,” he adds. Additionally, some artists are no longer associated with the sponsoring rehabilitation programs yet are still able to showcase their therapeutic works in the museum, continuing their healing process.
The opening reception, which takes place on the first Sunday of December, will include comments, demonstrations by the artists and readings from different participants. “Most would not call themselves artists,” says DeLorme. “[This is, for many of them], their first time at art.” I Have Marks to Make seeks to showcase the greatest powers of art, stepping away from traditional, highbrow aesthetics and bringing the public the most remarkable aspects of the creative subconscious, reminding us that art has the power to transform lives. “Personally, I’m always interested in this healing power,” DeLorme says. “[The exhibit] allows the artist to exert some kind of control over their lives.”
I Have Marks to Make opens Sunday, Dec. 5, with an opening reception from 3 to 5 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibition will continue through Jan. 3 at the Jepson Center for the Arts.
207 W. York Street, 912.790.8800, telfair.org
