Washington State University Tri-City students are about to get a unique glimpse into the struggles and dangers of anorexia. A Nov. 6 release on the WSU website provided the following details about a photography exhibit that will open later this month:

Skeleton in the Closet features 20 portraits by art photographer Fritz Liedtke of Portland, Ore. Each portrait is accompanied by a statement from the person in the photograph. The artist combined photographs and text to create a compelling narrative of life with an eating disorder, including what could lead a person down the path and the journey to free oneself.

The exhibit is open in The Art Center, inside the WSU Tri-Cities Consolidated Information Center, 2770 University Drive, Richland. Admission is free.

A reception at 12 p.m. Nov. 16 features an informational talk about eating disorders, delivered by Phyllis Morris, academic director of the WSU Tri-Cities College of Nursing. The talk is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Skeleton in the Closet runs through Nov. 30. The Art Centers regular hours are 12 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, although campus is closed for holidays on Nov. 11, Nov. 26 and Nov. 27.

Labels: anorexia, awareness, art, photography

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Self-expression through dance and movement, or through painting or drawing, can help struggling teenagers in their recovery from a variety of issues, including eating disorders.

According to Kimberly Dennis, M.D., the medical director of Timberline Knolls, the use of experiential therapy, when combined with a clinical treatment program, can often make it possible for individuals to experience and express feelings that need to be dealt with in order to achieve recovery. (Source: PRWeb)

Dance or Movement Therapy can help eating disorder sufferers learn to enjoy their bodies by becoming more aware of the feelings that arise from sensations created through physical self-expression. This new awareness can help a patient begin remaking her self-image, and improving her self-esteem.

Labels: treatment, eating disorders, art, dance

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Manon Slome is the curator of the Chelsea Art Museum in New York. She's recently put together a multi-media collection titled Dangerous Beauty which consists of video, photographs, paintings, sculptures and a bathroom scale.

"Curator Manon Slome says the purpose of the exhibit was to create a little anxiety for the audience. 'People are scared to be weighed in public and that's why I want to have this at the beginning of the show to create a sense of anxiety which I feel is the result of the beauty industry.'"

The exhibit includes a straitjacket covered in artificial nails, and a series of photographs that document a women's forehead implant surgery. Curator Slome hopes the exhibit will change people's perceptions by showing the high cost of paid by those who to adhere to society's strict definition of "beauty".

Read more at VOANews.com.

Labels: awareness, art, society

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Katie Seiz has used art as therapy for over ten years. She first turned to art when she was a teenager struggling to overcome anorexia (art therapy has been used in programs to treat eating disorders, depression, trauma, addictions and a range of other disorders). Now, she and other artists are lending their talent to a unique fundraising event.

“[Katie’s] creations are among those of more than 40 artists who have donated to a silent auction and art show, featuring paint, jewelry, tapestry and other artistic genres. The proceeds of the event will go to the Duke Center for Eating Disorders’ efforts to develop a web-based treatment for families who cannot afford or do not have access to eating-disorder care.” [Source: The Seattle Times]

About one-third of the artists know what it’s like to struggle with an eating disorder. Some are in the midst of their struggles even now. All of the artists hope their creations will not only raise some much-needed money, but will also inspire and encourage people who look in the mirror and don’t like what they see.

Labels: awareness, art

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