Void Oblation: Artistic Alchemy

Transforming Psychedelic Insights Into Creative Expression

Psychedelic Art Therapy Workshop  :: Sun, Dec 1 / 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Join us for a workshop and discussion where we will explore the unique benefits of using the creative process to prepare for and process the often ineffable psychedelic experience. In this workshop, an art therapist and a participant in ketamine assisted therapy will share their experience and insights gained in their work together.

This unique offering showcases the profoundly healing benefits of creative expression as we watch the participant’s healing journey unfold as told through the story of her art. Their work showcases different art mediums to illustrate just some of the many possibilities to help make the creative process more accessible to others curious about exploring artistic expression as a means of preparing for and processing the psychedelic experience. There will be an opportunity for sharing and discussion of attendees' experiences and wisdom using art in this way. Finally, we will share a simple and accessible art directive that can be useful for preparation or integration. This workshop is perfect for anyone curious about the personal impact of psychedelic therapy, those interested in the healing arts, therapists, or artists.

Jamie McGinty - “Electric MASK 2018”

workshop Leaders:

• Valery Shuman, ATR-BC, LCPC 

 Valery (she/her/hers) is a licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified registered art therapist, specializing in working with people who want to examine their relationships with themselves, with others, and with substances. Valery works from a harm reduction framework that is nonjudgmental about substance use or other stigmatized behaviors, and focused on exploring the benefits and costs of those behaviors in order to reduce harms and maximize benefits. She believes that relationship is the vehicle for change and focuses on the development of a respectful, collaborative relationship with therapy clients. Valery also offers psychedelic integration and pre- and post-ceremony counseling, helping people to leverage various modes of expression to share and make sense of their experiences of non-ordinary states of consciousness and to walk them meaningfully into their daily lives. Together we will weave the insights from your experience into the tapestry of your life. Using metaphor, exploring connections, and navigating liminal spaces allows us to become the architects of our lives.  

• Lauren Parente, LCSW, CADC 

 Lauren (she/her/hers) is a licensed clinical social worker and certified alcohol and drug counselor working at an outpatient trauma treatment center in Illinois. Lauren is most passionate about supporting others in their own healing journeys, and is looking forward to becoming a psychedelic assisted therapist in the future. Lauren has used art to prepare for and process her own psychedelic experiences in her healing journey with ketamine. In her free time, Lauren enjoys creating mixed media art, writing poetry and spending time in nature. 

 Concurrent with the EXHIBITION :: Nov 23 through Dec 6, 2024

If we are to shift cultural perceptions surrounding the role of psychedelics in personal growth and healing, we must sit with what the psychedelic experience actually means, feels, and looks like. To fully integrate these experiences we must sit with the challenging aspects as well as the ecstatic ones. The pieces selected for the Void Oblation exhibition confront this dissonance and celebrate the nuance and confusion this experience can bring.

Void Oblation - an offering of oneself, in veneration and gratitude, into the chaos of the unknown.

SAD GIRL

ADDITIONAL EXHIBITION EVENTS:

CLOSING RECEPTION :: Fri, Dec 6 / 6:30 – 9:30 pm
with/ Psychedelic Stories Open Mic / Community Harm Reduction Panel Discussion / Policy Workshop

All artworks in the exhibit are for sale.
CONTACT:  agitatorgallery@gmail.com
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CARINA EVINS - “Profile with Messages from the Sea”