I’m a Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of PCH Treatment Center. One important element of our treatment philosophy is our Arts Program, in which we have local artists teach weekly classes in painting, drawing, pottery, knitting, dance, creative writing, and music. Art is an important mode of expression as well as an excellent tool for self-regulation, and we feel should be a part of everyone’s lives. The Artivism Project is an arm of the PCH Social Justice Initiative, which began soon after the murder of George Floyd.
Artists often see their place to provoke, to enlighten and to send a message. Art mirrors the aesthetic standard of the day and also provides a window into the historical context of the time. Works such as Andy Warhol’s “Big Electric Chair”, Picasso’s “Guernica”, Bob Dylan’s “The Death of Emmitt Till”, or Bruce Springsteen’s “American Skin (41 Shots)” serve as iconic reminders and powerful statements on social issues of their time. How do artists help frame the current moment, and how do they help build resilience, heal pain, and ultimately tell our stories for history? What role will art and artists play in helping our communities rebuild during these unprecedented times?
This long-standing role of the artist as activist is at the heart of PCH Artivism Show. This exhibition entangles such issues as racism, othering, implicit and explicit biases, wealth disparity, immigration, homelessness, gender and equality issues, reform of the criminal justice system, police brutality and gun violence.
Voice and visual image combine to form a powerful commentary. The PCH Artivism Show is an opportunity for the PCH Community and friends to come together through creation and exhibition of art that represents the Othering and Racial Injustice experienced by the Black community and other communities of color in America.
Jeff Ball, PhD
