“Unspoken: Survivor Stories” is an exhibition of artwork made by artists who have been affected by suicide. For over two years the exhibiting artists have been meeting monthly creating art together. In recent months, like everyone else responding to the cultural shifts during the Pandemic, the group now meets online. The results have been extraordinary, with participants joining from across the country. This exhibition of their art celebrates the hope, growth and the strength of survivors.  Mounting this exhibit is a way to promote a greater understanding of the survivor experience.

Eye Lounge Gallery is located on the corner of Roosevelt and 5th Street | 419 E. Roosevelt, Phoenix Az 85004
Open by appointment through October 11 during the gallery hours:
Fridays 5-9:00 pm | Saturdays 1-5:00 pm | Sundays 11-3:00 pm
contact Tess to schedule your appointment: info@AzArtAlliance.com

Tess Mosko Scherer is a pat member of the Eye Lounge collective. She brings the exhibition to Roosevelt Row as a way to raise awareness to suicide as well as to way to illustrate the power of art to unify and heal. During this unprecedented time of a pandemic and political and racial divisiveness, art can be a bridge to heal, to connect and to build.  

September is National Suicide Prevention Month Suicide is a global phenomenon that knows no geographic or racial boundary.  It is one of the leading causes of death not only here in the United States but throughout the world.

The exhibition is in partnership with Arizona Artists Guild (AAG) and Your Art Your Story.  AAG’s Outreach Program focuses on the benefits of art in overcoming traumatic life events.  Suicide is a very personal subject to Kristel Nielsen, founder of Your Art Your Story and a survivor of suicide loss, she is dedicated to the advocacy of suicide prevention and public awareness.  According to Nielsen, “What we are doing is part of a larger mental health movement to reduce stigma and heal trauma. Our mission is also to build a compassionate community of understanding through this public exhibition of art.” 

“Unspoken: Survivor Stories” humanizes this highly stigmatized topic and the organizers hope to raise local awareness about suicide and mental health and reach more people who may need resources for themselves or loved ones. 

About the Exhibition Partners:

Your Art Your Story is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to research, advocacy and education services for families experiencing suicide loss or suicide attempt.   https://www.yourartyourstory.org.

Arizona Artists Guild is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in 1928, led by volunteers dedicated to providing and promoting opportunities in the visual arts through exhibitions, education, and outreach programs.  http://www.arizonaartistsguild.net/

Eye Lounge is a collective, artist-run, contemporary art space committed to fostering emerging and established visual artists in downtown Phoenix.  https://www.eyelounge.com/

Suicide is a global phenomenon that knows no geographic or racial boundary.  It is one of the leading causes of death not only here in the United States but throughout the world.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.For additional information on the show or to participate in the monthly classes, contact Tess Mosko Scherer, 928-300-7185 | info@AzArtAlliance.com