https://www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com

SAFE | Holding space for lived experiences and safer ways of being amidst the Toxic Drug Poisoning Crisis

CVAG Window + Plaza Media Gallery | Hub | South Gallery |
Gather⋮Place | George Sawchuk Gallery


SAFE | Holding space for lived experiences and safer ways of being amidst the Toxic Drug Poisoning Crisis:

This exhibition explores the meaning of ‘safe’ as understood by participants and staff of AVI Health and Community Services’ Prescribed Safe Supply program.

Over the past year and a half, the Walk With Me research and social action team has been working with Prescribed Safe Supply Program participants and staff in a community-engaged research project designed to uncover the human dimensions of the toxic drug crisis and potential solutions. We’ve shared food, conversation and art practices (through workshops led by Montreal artists Patrick Dionne and Miki Gingras), and asked what it means for participants to feel ‘safe’. Along the way, we were gifted powerful images and words that speak to the toxic drug crisis and its impacts, and illuminate perspectives of people not often seen or heard.

We invite you to enter into this conversation. Bring your curiosity, your compassion and your humour. Please leave stigma at the door.

This exhibition is dedicated to those who shared their insights with courage, and to those whose lives have been lost. We honour those whose names have been spoken in memory — whose stories continue to compel us forward in pursuit of transformation. We honour you and think about you often — especially when we walk.


CONCEPT | DESIGN | PRODUCTION

Artists:

Ryan – Daryll – Morgan – Eric – K. – D. – S. – Ke. – Bowie – G. – H. – C. – Sh. – Ca.

Artist Facilitators:

Patrick Dionne + Miki Gingras

Exhibition Curator / Publication Designer:

Caresse Nadeau

WWM Team:

Sharon Karsten – PhD, Project Director

Barb Whyte – Health Advocate + Traditional Knowledge Keeper

Christopher Hauschildt – Peer Researcher + Operations Coordinator

Caresse Nadeau – Community Engagement Coordinator

Trevor Wideman – PhD, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Andrew Mark – PhD, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Sophia Katsanikakis – Communications Coordinator

CVAG Team:

Glen Sanford – Executive Director

Cassidy Gehmlich – Operations Manager

Denise Lawson – Director / Curator of Programming

Dave Lawson – Technical Facilitator + Preparator

Taylor Robinson – Design + Media

Rachael Henshaw – Gallery Assistant

Kat Radford – SHOPMADE + Visitor Services


NOTE: Some of the stories and images shared in the exhibition can be difficult to hear and see, and involve accounts of violence, abuse, neglect, racism, stigmatization, etc. The Walk With Me team will hold space for conversation and connection throughout the exhibition; community resources will be identified for those seeking additional support. 

This exhibition is being shared with the community for a condensed duration.


COMMUNITY RESOURCES


Acknowledgements

The Comox Valley Art Gallery is grateful to operate on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nations.

CVAG is honored to collaborate with artists, writers, guest curators, community partners + volunteers. We are grateful for the support of our members + donors.

This convergent program is made possible through the support of our FUNDERS: City of Courtenay, Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, Government of Canada, Province of BC, Comox Valley Regional District, Town of Comox, Natural Sciences + Engineering Research Council of Canada, Comox Valley Community Foundation | LOCAL SUPPORT: Hitec Screen Printing, SD71 Printshop, Shine-Eze Ltd., Paintbox Painting | COMMUNITY COLLABORATORS: Walk With Me, AVI Health + Community Services, Patrick Dionne + Miki Gingras, North Island College, Vancouver Island University.