ArtReach St. Croix Exhibit Features Works by Winona Artists Leah Diggins & Rick Hall
Artist Reception | Thursday, April 3 | 6-8PM
Exhibit Runs April 3-May 10
Standard Gallery Hours | Wed-Fri, 10 am-4 pm | Sat, 12-4 pm
ArtReach St. Croix | 224 N. 4th Street, Stillwater, MN
artreachstcroix.org
ArtReach St. Croix has selected works by Winona artists Leah Diggins and Rick Hall to be featured in their exhibit, Mental Health: Finding Creative Solace. The exhibit encourages artists and viewers to consider the emotions, stigma, struggles, and healing that surround mental health and how individuals impacted personally or tangentially find solace and strength. A reception will be held 6-8 pm April 3 with the exhibit running through May 10.
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About the Artists and Their Exhibit Pieces
Leah Diggins is a self-taught mixed media artist residing in Winona, MN.
The artist contributed a triptych (3-piece) series using the materials burlap, canvas, cotton batting, and wax. Each piece is stitched together and is unique/one of a kind.
“I feel very honored to be a part of an exhibit that creates awareness regarding mental illness in our society. We can all be allies to those who suffer as well as actively fight the stigma associated with mental illness.”
I found out about the exhibit through the River Arts Alliance newsletter! RAA is such a great resource to find out about creative opportunities and to support other artists in the area.
You can see more of Leah’s work on Instagram: laladiggity and her website: www.laladiggity.com
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Rick Hall is a Winona-based writer, poet, storyteller, songwriter, gardener, and creative explorer. He grew up in a small farming community on the prairie of central Illinois. The son of a father with southern roots and a homemaker mother born and raised in south-central Illinois, he is the youngest of 21 children and comes from a long lineage of farmers and storytellers. His unique upbringing has shaped his perspective on everything from his relationship with nature, to the way he connects with people and nurtures relationships—all of which continue to influence his storytelling and writing. He currently serves as the part-time arts administrator at the non-profit River Arts Alliance in Winona.
Rick’s animated short film Shine, based on his book of the same title, will be featured in the Mental Health: Finding Creative Solace exhibit at ArtReach St. Croix April 3 through May 10. The short film features animated illustrations created by New York-based artist Natalia Slattery. Rick narrates the film, channeling the voice of Landy, the 14-year-old main character of the story. Rick also wrote and performed the music for the short film, featuring the title song Little Deer. The illustrated book, Shine, will be available for purchase in the ArtReach gift shop during the run of the exhibit and is also available for purchase on Amazon.
To learn more about Shine visit Shine-TheStory.com.
Leah Diggins serves on the board and is a member of the River Arts Alliance. Rick Hall is the part-time Arts Administrator for the River Arts Alliance and is also a member of RAA. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit riverartsalliance.org/membership/.