Neil Zahn's "The Making Of" in “The Monster Under My Bed" at the Quad City Arts Center -- October 9 through December 4.
Exhibit: Friday, October 9, through Friday, December 4
Opening Reception: Friday, October 9, 6 – 8 p.m.
Quad City Arts Center, 1715 Second Avenue, Rock Island IL
An arresting and thought-provoking group show featuring 38 pieces of art made by 27 Midwestern artists whose work explores the many forms our “monsters” can take, The Monster Under My Bed will be on display at Rock Island's Quad City Arts Center from October 9 through December 4, this exhibition designed to demonstrate ways in which creativity can help us give shape to experiences that are difficult to put into words.
Art can give people a way to express experiences and emotions that are difficult to put into words. Exhibitions such as The Monster Under My Bed allow artists to share those experiences while giving audiences opportunities to connect, reflect, and begin conversations around mental health and other topics that can be hard to discuss. By bringing artists, community partners and the public together, Quad City Arts helps create an accessible space where art can open the door to meaningful conversation, with the venue's current exhibition exploring the fears, anxieties, and challenges that can linger just beneath the surface.
Among the artists exhibiting in The Monster Under My Bed are: Bill Biagi; Marianne Biagi; Annabelle Bishop; BriEcho Boden; Alan Cassius; Kylie Clements; Johnnie Cluney; Jae Florence Corales; Estevan Cornejo; Jesse Coughlin; Michael Dahl; Emma Duffy; Bradley Ellis; La Della Gallagher; Isabella Guy; Miranda Jordan; Shayla Ray Kent; Lisa Mahar; Jeremy Marquis; Sherry Maurer; Morgan Napier; Atticus Norman; Nicole Ponce; Michelle Ryan; Matthew Terry; David Zahn; and Neal Zahn.
The public is invited to a free opening reception for The Monster Under My Bed on October 9. Taking place from 6 to 8 p.m., the event will allow patrons to meet the artists and enjoy complimentary refreshments while exploring the exhibition, and the evening will also celebrate Visual Arts Director Dawn Wohlford-Metallo’s 25 years with Quad City Arts. For a quarter century, Dawn has championed artists, developed exhibitions, created opportunities for creatives, and helped shape the visual arts in the Quad Cities. Guests are invited to take a walk down memory lane and enjoy a piece of cake as Quad City Arts recognizes Dawn’s 25 years of service.
Additionally, on October 26, the public is invited to join members of The M.A.D. Therapy mental health services to view the exhibition and take part in a conversation about how artists use artmaking to support their own mental health and wellness, as well as how experiencing art can positively affect well-being. Several participating artists will be part of the panel discussion. The event is free, and donations are encouraged. "The mission of The M.A.D. Therapy is to create a safe place to explore difficult topics, lead authentic lives, and make changes to get there by providing culturally competent, quality, and ethical mental health services.”
Regular gallery hours Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and more information on The Monster Under My Bed is available by calling (309)793-1213 and visiting QuadCityArts.com.
