Art Exhibit Exploring the Impact of the Baker Act on Youth and Families Set to Open Aug. 16

Broward County, FL – July 16, 2024 — The Echoes of Empathy exhibition stands as a testament to the power of art to illuminate the human experience, especially in the face of challenging circumstances.

In collaboration with the Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC), What’s Your ElephantTM (WYE) presents a cultural arts experience aimed at visualizing key data and outcomes from the Youth Baker Act Community Participatory Action Research (CPAR) project. From August 16 to September 19, 2024, this innovative exhibition will be on display at the Hollywood ArtsPark Gallery in Broward County, offering a multifaceted exploration of the Baker Act process and its impact on youth and families.

Featuring a blend of works from local artists, commissioned pieces, community art derived from WYE’s signature workshops, and interactive installations, Echoes of Empathy creates a space for reflection, dialogue, advocacy and aims to create a welcoming space for dialogue and reflection within the community.

Join us in an impactful collaboration as we delve into the heart of humanizing systems of care through art. We are building an innovative exhibition that aims to shed light on the experiences of youth and families navigating the Baker Act system. Through powerful artistic visualizations and engaging panel discussions, we aim to spark meaningful conversations, foster empathy, and drive positive change.

Event Highlights:

• ●  Opening Night: August 16, 2024, 6-9 PM
  Free admission. RSVP to attend: https://bit.ly/816EchoesofEmpathy
  Enjoy live performances by FeminAfrika and Shanna L. Woods, with light bites catered by Health Rush.
• ●  VIP Walk-through & Wellness Circle: August 29, 2024, 1-3 PM (Invite Only)
• ●  Community Talk (Hybrid In-person and Remote/Zoom): September 5, 2024, 6-9 PM
• ●  WYE Art-making Workshop & Chat + Closing Night: September 19, 2024, 6-9 PM

Curated and produced by Niki Lopez and Andy Ruffner of What’s Your ElephantTM, a nonprofit and movement that uses the arts to address the unspoken, the exhibition will feature a hybrid talk, broadcasted live from the Hollywood Arts Park Gallery and online, platforms for cross-sectional discussions involving families, researchers, artists, and community stakeholders. Additionally, a gallery tour and impact conversation will engage agencies, hospitals, policymakers, law enforcement, educators, and commissioners in dialogue around the exhibition’s themes.

Join Us:
We invite the community to join us at the Hollywood ArtsPark Gallery to experience Echoes of Empathy and be part of the conversation. For more information, visit whatsyourelephant.org or contact Niki Lopez at nikilopez@gmail.com or 305-975-6262.