Through an innovative partnership with PsyPhotology, Greenville Technical College’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) and Riverworks Gallery will present "Art, Heart, and Hope: A Matter of Time" in downtown Greenville from November 18-22. A reception and live auction will be held next door at Blues Boulevard Jazz Club on November 19 from 6-8:30 p.m. to benefit children in foster care and Greenville Technical College students who were formerly in the system. The exhibit will feature artwork by accomplished local and nationally-recognized artists, providing a visual interpretation of the GTC students’ poems and stories.
PTK honors students reached out to this vulnerable population at Greenville Technical College to help their peers express their stories through art and to discover their true potential and authentic identity through the PsyPhotology experience. This personalized interview and photographic service has thus far only been available to entrepreneurs and business leaders around the nation. The goal is that through this process, these students become empowered to help themselves, raise awareness about the struggles related to foster care, and create a broader positive impact by helping other young people in need.
“For some of these individuals, this is the first time they have ever shared their painful stories of neglect, abuse, shame, and humiliation experienced while in foster care,” said Dr. Anita Tam, faculty advisor for PTK. “Given the intense and emotional nature of the stories, the resilience and sense of hope that each participant has somehow managed to hold on to is nothing short of inspiring.”
All pieces of art up for auction are functional timepieces, with clocks as the focal point or embedded in the artwork; these reflect heartfelt stories of individuals who have overcome numerous traumatic experiences and somehow held on to hope. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the South Carolina Heart Gallery and will establish a scholarship fund for our students who have experienced foster care.
These artists are generously contributing their time and talent to help make this event possible.
- Claire Bateman
- Kara Bender
- Helena Bogosian
- Mark Kirby
- Bruce Plourde
- Shannon Plourde
- John Rainey
- Teresa Roche
- Cindy Smith
- Heather Hogan-Spencer & James Spencer
Riverworks Gallery is open from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 300 River Street, Suite 202 in Greenville. Additional information can be found online at arthearthope.eventbrite.com.