"Transforming Trauma" art installation offers a collaborative and interactive way to open dialogue

Open OHIO is an initiative by Ohio University that brought people together to have meaningful dialogue during the 2018 Fall Semester. A common topic among the conversations last fall was the experience of trauma and sexual assault, and an overall theme of “Navigating Turbulence” emerged. Five groups of artists and scientists have collaborated to create art inspired by this theme, and these art pieces will be on display throughout the 2019 Spring Semester at various exhibits. Rachel Siegel, Open OHIO facilitator, artist and counselor at Counseling and Psychological Services, was joined by two colleagues, Susan Folger and Megan Yetzer, psychologists at Counseling and Psychological Services, to create and facilitate one of the five art installations entitled “Transforming Trauma.”

The Ohio University and Athens community are working to overcome and manage the fear, isolation and emotional pain that is part of trauma and sexual assault, and the community is invited to participate in the dynamic and healing art process of “Transforming Trauma.” “Transforming Trauma” kits, with all necessary materials, are located at numerous sites on campus and in the community so that all individuals are able to participate if they choose to. People impacted by trauma are invited to respond to one of the numerous prompts specified in the kit or write whatever they choose and then transform their narrative into an individual paper flower. These individual flowers are then collected and added to the “Transforming Trauma” art sculpture.

Trauma can impact a person in countless ways. Because it can challenge beliefs regarding trust and safety and lead to feelings of powerlessness, a survivor may struggle with disconnection to others in their communities. However, healing is possible, and art is one way through which healing can occur by allowing a person to express themselves in ways other than simply through words. Additionally, art that involves the community, entails dynamic collaboration and willingness to make space for deeper dialogue on difficult issues and leads to community building can be especially powerful. This is the basis of the “Transforming Trauma” sculpture. Together, the community can contribute to creating supportive and responsive spaces for individuals to do this work and allow everyone to engage in this healing process. The path to healing is often turbulent, but individuals should not feel they are alone in this journey.

Further information on Open OHIO can be found here, and more information about the “Transforming Trauma” display can be found here, including an explanatory video as well as instructions on where to find the kits to contribute to the sculpture. Additionally, OHIO community members are invited to participate while the sculpture is on exhibit, including at the International Women’s Art Installation on March 26, Take Back the Night on April 4 and at the Dairy Barn Arts Center April 10-24.