Westport, CT -- The Westport Arts Center presents its fall 2016 exhibition and related community programming, MORE Than Words - courage, resilience and empowerment in the face of bullying. The exhibition is curated by guest curator Gerry Snyder, Dean of the Pratt Institute School of Art, with lead exhibition sponsorship generously provided by J.P. Morgan. The exhibit opens with a reception on Friday, September 9, from 6-8pm.
MORE Than Words examines the topic of bullying within a broad cultural context that considers how perceived imbalances of social, physical, or political power can be abused to marginalize others. The exhibition includes artistic expressions of gender, racial, religious, geo-political, and age inequality, as well as works that serve to demonstrate the impact of bullying and cyberbullying. Assembled together for the first time, this selection of thought-provoking art aims to provide a platform to inspire dialogue and change.
"Bullying is harmful enough when confined to the schoolyard but its true impact is exponentially greater when these power differentials are played out within the social institutions of relationships, the workplace, politics, and the world. Artists have long responded to these inequities through their work, able to speak truth to power in a way not available to others," explained Snyder.
The exhibition is accompanied by a robust program calendar of events including participation of the Anti-Defamation League, NBA Cares, Athlete Ally, Felix Gonzalez-Torres Foundation, National Charity League, Westport Library, Westport Country Playhouse, Triangle Community Center, SKATEmovement (K2BK founders), Westport Magazine/Moffly Media, and Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County.