Holly Featured in Nova Scotia Journal of Sustainable Community Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Youth mental health multi-media exhibit opens at Museum of Natural History with free launch event
(Kentville, NS – September 6, 2024) Something pretty impressive is coming to the Museum of Natural History next week. It’s a new multi-media immersive exhibit that engages youth in mental wellness and healing and, to kick it off, the public is invited to a free launch event on September 12 at 7pm.
The exhibit is an incredible intersection of art, nature, and mental wellness. It transcends the natural history space and takes people on a beautiful journey through interactive stations on self-care and an animated world that introduces guests to the forest and its inhabitants through music, art, dance and spoken word. Created by world-renowned artist Holly Carr, the exhibit builds on the acclaimed Light in the Forest children’s book and art installation, which continues to evolve in response to accolades from mental health advocates and youth educators.
“It is wonderful to work with Holly Carr on this new rendition of Light in the Forest,” said Jeff Gray, Manager of Museum of Natural History. “This new exhibit will build on past projects and really strengthens our relationship with her and her incredible art. Holly’s exhibits and art allow us to talk more about mental health issues and help shed light on extremely important issues for our visitors and all Nova Scotians.”
At the opening, Holly will also launch her new children’s book The Comfort Tree. In creating this companion book for Light in the Forest, Holly worked closely with the Portapique community and Canadian Mental Health Association. In October, signage featuring the artwork and story from The Comfort Tree will be installed around the Portapique Community Centre to create an outdoor story trail. The book and story trail serve as a beautiful reminder for people of all ages that, even in times of darkness, there is light and hope.
Light in the Forest is funded by Province of Nova Scotia and RBC Foundation and supported by partnerships with Valley Regional Hospital Foundation, Acadia University, Canadian Mental Health Association, and Red Space Media.
“Art has the power to heal and help people express emotions they sometimes cannot easily share. The Province is happy to support Light in the Forest which provides mental health supports in an engaging and interactive way, while spreading a message of hope and wellness that resonates with many Nova Scotians,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health.
“Through every variation of Light in the Forest, Holly has given audiences something truly special,” said Karen Theriault, CEO of Valley Regional Hospital Foundation. “This exhibit takes things to a whole new level and we’re so proud to play even a small part in sharing it with Nova Scotians.”
The launch event takes place on September 12 at 7pm, with an early bird book signing at 6:30pm. The exhibit will stay at the Nova Scotia Museum until November 3. For more information, visit LightInTheForest.ca.
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CONTACT: Karen Theriault, CEO, Valley Regional Hospital Foundation
902-678-5414 | [email protected]
| Press Release PDF |
