Artreach Inc. will present “Women in Photography: Then + Now” at 7 p.m. June 3 in the Oasis Room at the Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London.
The event will feature a performance of “Breaking Glass,” a solo play written and performed by Emma Palzere-Rae. The play will be followed by a fireside chat with Mona Penn-Jousset and Coco Olakunle of AtelierMOCA, moderated by Artreach’s executive director, Rebecca Atkins, according to a community announcement.
The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required and can be made through the Garde’s website, https://gardearts.org/events/women-photography-then-now. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a viewing of the photography exhibit “Unseen Stories.”
Emma Palzere-Rae as Virginia Woolf
“Breaking Glass” is inspired by the life of Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. The play has been presented at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, Emerson Theater Collaborative and Dimbola Museum & Galleries, the historic home of Julia Margaret Cameron.
“Can I thank you so much for a stunning one woman show at Dimbola yesterday, when you brought Julia Margaret Cameron, Virginia Woolf and others to life,” said Dr. Brian Hinton, chairman of the Julia Margaret Cameron Trust.
Following an intermission and refreshments, there will be a fireside chat with Palzere-Rae, Penn-Jousset and Olakunle, moderated by Rebecca Atkins, according to the announcement.
The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are strongly encouraged. Donations to Artreach will be accepted. Individuals requiring accommodations should contact Carin.ArtreachHeals@gmail.com.
About Artreach
Artreach is a nonprofit organization that uses the creative arts to support recovery from psychiatric disorders and raise awareness about mental health in the community. The organization provides theater, music, visual arts and recreational opportunities to its members. Its public performances and art exhibits aim to engage attendees in conversations about mental health and reduce the stigma of mental illness.
Artreach was founded in 1985 and is known for the Second Step Players sketch comedy troupe, the Music Heals Coffeehouse and Mixed Bag performances of comedy and music.
AtelierMOCA is a creative platform founded by educator, writer, speaker, podcaster and curator Mona Penn-Jousset and photographer, filmmaker and mentor Coco Olakunle. The platform aims to amplify diverse perspectives through education, storytelling and visual practice. Penn-Jousset has over 30 years of international teaching experience and was the first lecturer of African descent at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague.
Olakunle is a Nigerian-Dutch artist known for her intimate portraits and socially engaged photography, including work in refugee communities. The two collaborate to create platforms for dialogue and learning through photography, film and writing.
For more information about the program and Artreach Inc., visit www.ArtreachHeals.org.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Artreach event in New London celebrates women in photography
