Art Exhibit Exploring the Impact of the Baker Act on Youth and Families Set to Open Aug. 16
Broward County, FL – July 16, 2024
The Echoes of Empathy exhibition stands as a testament to the power of art to illuminate the human experience, especially in the face of challenging circumstances.
In collaboration with the Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC), What’s Your Elephant™ (WYE) presents a cultural arts experience aimed at visualizing key data and outcomes from the Youth Baker Act Community Participatory Action Research (CPAR) project. From August 16 to September 19, 2024, this innovative exhibition will be on display at the Hollywood ArtsPark Gallery in Broward County, offering a multifaceted exploration of the Baker Act process and its impact on youth and families.
Featuring a blend of works from local artists, commissioned pieces, community art derived from WYE’s signature workshops, and interactive installations, Echoes of Empathy creates a space for reflection, dialogue, advocacy and aims to create a welcoming space for dialogue and reflection within the community.
Join us in an impactful collaboration as we delve into the heart of humanizing systems of care through art. We are building an innovative exhibition that aims to shed light on the experiences of youth and families navigating the Baker Act system. Through powerful artistic visualizations and engaging panel discussions, we aim to spark meaningful conversations, foster empathy, and drive positive change.
Exhibition Details:
Curated and produced by Niki Lopez and Andy Ruffner of What’s Your Elephant™, a nonprofit and movement that uses the arts to address the unspoken, the exhibition will feature a hybrid talk, broadcasted live from the Hollywood Arts Park Gallery and online, platforms for cross-sectional discussions involving families, researchers, artists, and community stakeholders. Additionally, a gallery tour and impact conversation will engage agencies, hospitals, policymakers, law enforcement, educators, and commissioners in dialogue around the exhibition’s themes.
Event Highlights:
- Opening Night: August 16, 2024, 6-9 PM
- VIP Walk-through & Wellness Circle: August 29, 2024, 1-3 PM
- Community Talk (Hybrid In-person and Remote/Zoom): September 5, 2024, 6-9 PM
- WYE Art-making Workshop & Chat + Closing Night: September 19, 2024, 6-9 PM
Join Us
We invite the community to join us at the Hollywood ArtsPark Gallery to experience Echoes of Empathy and be part of the conversation. For more information, visit whatsyourelephant.org or contact Niki Lopez at nikilopez@gmail.com or 305-975-6262.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Niki Lopez, Founder
What’s Your Elephant™
Phone: 305-975-6262
Email: nikilopez@gmail.com
Funding for Echoes of Empathy is provided by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) and Wayne and Lucretia Weiner. Featured community partner: Hosanna4Youth.
Featured community partners:
About CSC Broward – Children Services Council of Broward County
The CSC’s mission is to provide leadership, advocacy, and resources necessary to enhance the lives of the children of Broward County and empower them to become responsible, productive adults through collaborative planning and funding of a continuum of quality care.
About the Baker Act
The Florida Mental Health Act, commonly referred to as the Baker Act, allows for involuntary psychiatric examination of individuals during a mental health crisis. Each year, approximately 1,900 children in Broward County are subjected to this process, often experiencing trauma and emotional distress. Echoes of Empathy seeks to highlight these experiences, promote awareness, and advocate for improvements in the system.
About What’s Your Elephant™
What’s Your Elephant™ is a transformative arts and educational organization dedicated to catalyzing awareness and fostering dialogue on under-addressed topics through the power of art. Established in 2014 and recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2023, the organization collaborates with community groups, artists, and nonprofits to create inclusive environments where voices are heard, stories are shared, and healing begins.
About Niki Lopez
Niki Lopez is an interdisciplinary visual artist, social practitioner, curator, and award-winning graphic designer. Her vibrant art and advocacy work reflect her commitment to addressing social issues and fostering community connections. As the founder of What’s Your Elephant™, she aims to amplify marginalized voices and promote positive social change through art and dialogue.