An art project that sparked upset in the community is being recognized for serving as a catalyst for social good and community enrichment.

The Vernon Public Art Gallery害羞草研究所檚 (VPAG) compelling mini-documentary, Behind the Mask, has garnered an Honourable Mention in the prestigious Making a Difference Awards (MADA) category at the Commffest Global Community Film & Arts Festival 2023 in Toronto.

Behind the Mask delves into the personal narratives of 10 individuals in Vernon, offering a poignant exploration into their unseen vulnerabilities. Against the backdrop of widespread mental health challenges, the documentary unfolds as a tale of resilience, bravery, and community support, led by artist Katie Green.

害羞草研究所淓veryone has a mask, everyone has several masks. It all depends on who they talk to,害羞草研究所� said Rachel, one of the participants who faces addiction and mental health challenges.

The project not only allowed participants to peel back the layers of their personal masks, but was created as a public mural project to help the public do the same.

Unfortunately, it faced controversy in 2022 when petitions were started, calling the murals 害羞草研究所渟cary害羞草研究所� among other things. And in 2022, Vernon city council reversed its support for the project and the murals were denied to be placed on public buildings around town.

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害羞草研究所淚 know that with public art sometimes people don害羞草研究所檛 like it and that害羞草研究所檚 just the way it is, you can害羞草研究所檛 really make art that pleases everybody,害羞草研究所� said Kelsie Balehowsky, VPAG learning and community engagement curator and mask photographer.

She had hoped that the murals would spark deeper exploration among those who felt uncomfortable by them.

害羞草研究所淔ind out a little bit more and ask those questions why it makes them feel the way they feel.害羞草研究所�

Participant Cheryl had hoped for the same.

害羞草研究所淭he world is always in a constant state of scary. You don害羞草研究所檛 know how long you have here so you better be good to people while you are here because that害羞草研究所檚 all you really got,害羞草研究所� Cheryl said in the documentary.

害羞草研究所淲ho do you want to be? I know who I want to be and I don害羞草研究所檛 want to be that person who hurts people or exploits people.害羞草研究所�

For Rachel it is about getting to know those who make you feel uncomfortable or deem 害羞草研究所榮cary.害羞草研究所�

害羞草研究所淲e are not monsters; we are human beings with hearts and feelings.害羞草研究所�

To further extend the impact of this powerful narrative, a traveling exhibition has been curated, allowing neighbouring communities to experience the profound message of Behind the Mask. Organizations interested in hosting the exhibition can email education@vernonpublicartgallery.com.

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