2010 News Releases
"GlassBook Project"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TEL: (856) 825-6800, Ext. 108 / FAX: (856) 825-2410
E-MAIL: jpeterson@wheatonarts.org
“THE GLASSBOOK PROJECT” OPENS JUNE 18 IN THE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN GLASS AT WHEATONARTS
MILLVILLE, NJ – “The GlassBook Project,” a national initiative happening state-by-state and community by community, opens in the Museum of American Glass at WheatonArts on June 18 and continues through September 12. This exhibit of 44 glass books seeks to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and raise awareness about mental health issues including the healing processes that take place after traumatic experiences.
The first collection of glass books was created in an elective Books Art class by artist/professor Nick Kline, Culture and Media Department, Rutgers University-Newark, NJ. Kline challenged college students to learn about the taboo topic of self injury (SIV) and to turn their understanding into a visual glass book. The students were given literature and research on the issue, but nothing helped them better understand the issue than talking with trauma survivors, directly and through poetry. The classroom process took only four weeks, but from this project came an exhibit that has impacted individuals around the nation. Since the campus does not have a glass facility, the books were created with the help and use of the GlassRoots facility (www.glassroots.org) in Newark.
People who have lived the experience share in the book’s creation
and feel understood; providers and communities learn about trauma… a starting
point for true social inclusion, healing and empowerment. Through that
process, students began to understand trauma and how healing happens, and they
created their books to tell the story. The learning and understanding started
in the classroom and continues in communities around the country. Even
professionals in state mental health departments have commented that the exhibit,
and what the students have done, has helped them to truly understand that SIV
is an expression and release of deep emotional pain.
The subsequent exposure, through exhibits and presentations, addresses stigma and discrimination and builds understanding. Healing relationships develop and communities benefit as a result. The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma has united with Rutgers University, Witness Justice and many other groups to support this project.
The national collection, with books from every state in the
country, is intended to tour and be exhibited to continue the discussion on
trauma and healing. The books are aimed for installation at the Library of
Congress, among other prestigious art galleries and high-profile venues. The
GlassBook Project is a program of Witness Justice and Rutgers
University-Newark, Department of Arts, Media and Culture. Curriculum
development is funded by the Center for Mental Health Services, DHHS/SAMHSA. For more information, visit http://www.glassbookproject.org.
The Museum of American Glass houses one of the most comprehensive collections of American glass in the entire world…from the first glass bottles made in America to celebrated works by Dale Chihuly and other contemporary artists who work in glass. Over 7,000 objects are on display including the world’s largest bottle.
The exhibit is included in the price of admission to WheatonArts: Adults $10.00, Senior Adults $9.00 and Students $7.00. Children five and under are free. WheatonArts is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. For more information about WheatonArts, call 1-800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, or visit online at www.wheatonarts.org.
WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Individuals needing special assistance or accommodations should contact WheatonArts at least two weeks in advance. Patrons with hearing and speech disabilities may contact WheatonArts through the New Jersey Relay Service (TRS) 800-852-7899 or by dialing 711.
Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department
of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. WheatonArts received funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.
