The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is pleased to exhibit the collected photographic works of artist Bailee Soper in the Gallery@VT, from May 31 through June 28, 2018. An artist’s reception will be held on June 4, 2018, from 7 -9 p.m., which is free and open to the public.
This special Emerging Artist exhibit, entitled “Through My Eyes: Mental Illness Re-Imagined,” features several works that represent Soper’s visualization of emotions drawn from her journey as an artist.
Originally from Canton, MI, Soper is currently studying at Wayne State University, with plans to become an art therapist. Although Soper is comfortable working with many different types of media, she enjoys focusing on her photography skills and is interested in turning different concepts into what may be considered “abstract” pieces of art. As someone who suffers from epilepsy, Soper is fascinated with all things regarding the brain and its functions, including potential mental illnesses or psychological disorders.
Soper feels that the awareness of mental illnesses continues to grow as individuals begin to understand and empathize with the state in which people that suffer from these illnesses may live in. Soper’s goal for this exhibition is to showcase these different illnesses and disorders through photographs and allow viewers to analyze them without being given a thorough explanation of the idea behind the pieces.
Artist Bailee Soper has written the titles of her works to describe certain emotions these subjects may feel as they live with different mental health issues, and in turn, the viewer may experience similar emotions after understanding the portrayal of said illnesses. As a viewer, it is important that reading the title and analyzing the photograph comes with an emotional and mental preparation for the content that can be classified as “eye-opening” by the artist.
This art exhibit at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is free and open to the public: Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; during public performances at the theater; and by appointment by calling 734/394-5300. The Gallery is closed on holidays.
The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton, MI, 48187, is a regional center for the arts that offers the magic of live theatre, soul-stirring music, the thrill of the dance, and the enjoyment of fine art exhibitions and events, in addition to providing a home for several cultural organizations and community groups. For more information about this latest exhibition, please call 734/394-5300 or visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org.