Exhibition: IMPACT 2022: Art that Bears Witness


IMPACT 2022: Art that Bears Witness presents the work of a diverse group of artists working in a wide variety of media that challenge us to (re)consider some of society’s toughest issues.

Through the ages, artists have used their creativity to call to action, protest, support, attest, and provoke lasting and meaningful change. Ranging from abstract to more figurative work, from personal to more universal, from literal to more poetic, the artworks in this exhibition invite and engage us to be aware of inequities and systemic institutionalized practices that are racist and oppressive, and that can be abolished.

The works in this exhibition confront issues of racism and discrimination by gender, class and immigration status, and raise awareness of reproductive rights, public health and access, and environmental issues. The artists’ books, collages, drawings, paintings, photography, prints, sculpture, and video boldly, directly, meditatively, and at times with humor, ask us to participate in and take on these timely conversations that are rapidly evolving in the midst of a pandemic, global warming, displacement due to wars and violence, and polarizing ideologies.

This exhibition is especially powerful and unique because of the mix of artists being represented. Selected works represent well-known artists, such as Dotty Attie, John Ahearn and Tom Otterness, alongside pieces by artists who are self-taught and emerging, who have been in one or two gallery shows, and artists with much longer artistic resumes.

Not only does the artwork challenge us to (re)consider some of society’s toughest issues of the day, but the show itself provokes us to reconsider how we create exhibitions. We invite the visitor to reflect on the mix of artists being represented and perhaps to question what we all miss in traditionally curated exhibitions.

While the exhibition tackles some of today’s most pressing challenges, it is also hopeful. As Nia Simone wrote so eloquently in her submission while “Racism is a public health crisis”, it’s also a mental health crisis. … “Blended” [captures the] variety of communities [that] come together to fight the same cause.”

Gallery Hours:
Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm
Wed. May 25, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 10:00am-7:30pm
Sat. May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 10am-3pm

Opening Reception:  Friday May 20, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Lecture: Wednesday June 8, 6:30pm-8:00pm (WHEN ARTISTS SHOUT: Social and Political Commentary in Western Art A Lecture by Marcy B. Freedman) Register here to join: https://bethanyarts.org/calendar/when-artists-shout/

Event Location and Ticket Information

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Bethany Arts Community
40 Somerstown Rd
Ossining, NY 10562
Handicap Accessible? Yes

Date: Friday, May 20, 2022 - Thursday, June 30, 2022
Times: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Ticket pricing:
Free event
Get tickets now

Presenter: Bethany Arts Community
Presenter Phone: 914 944-4278
Presenter Website: https://bethanyarts.org/