Exhibit Opening & Reception for Bump on a Line: The Art of Waiting

September 24, 2013
BumponaLine

Imagine waiting for two years for a promise to breathe again. Imagine waiting two years to finally receive a double lung transplant. Ebling Library’s extraordinary exhibit Bump on a Line: The Art of Waiting, a photo exhibition by Silas B. Richie & Dale Kaminiski shows us, through daily photos of Silas, 28, who was born with cystic fibrosis, what it feels like to wait for the Call that informs Silas he is to receive the ultimate gift, a second chance at night. The photos help us understand what waiting for life can feel like, and how someone copes with it. The photos of cups of tea, nature, and the friends who shared this journey, signify their daily, mindful practice of coming to terms with the wait.

According to the show’s curator, Micaela Sullivan-Fowler, the focus of this exhibit is what it means to have to wait for the Call with a chronic, incurable condition. It also explores the ethical issues of organ donation, and the complicated gray area we must face when a life has to be given for a life to be taken.” Sullivan-Fowler, the History of Health Sciences Librarian at Ebling Library, said that she tries to present information through art to UW-Madison medical science students. Providing this viewpoint enriches students’ education and their empathetic experience, which ultimately can enhance their practice.

Sullivan-Fowler also hopes that the will elicit discussions about treating chronic illness, the politics, economics and ethics involved in the pursuit of organ donation, the artist and chronic illness, the idea of photographic images as a vehicle for hope and stress reduction, and the power of sharing one’s clinical journey.

All are welcome to the opening reception for the exhibit, which will be held at Ebling Library’s Historical Reading Room and Galleries on Wednesday, September 25th from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m. Tea service and light fare will be offered from the Dobra Tea House and guitarist, Dave Irwin, will provide music in the Historical Reading Room.

At a Glance:

What: Bump on a Line: The Art of Waiting exhibit reception
When: Wednesday, September 25th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Exhibit runs until December 13th.
Where: Ebling Library’s Historical Reading Room and Galleries, 750 Highland Avenue
Parking: Please visit the Transportation Services website for Lot information and hours. The closest free lot (after 4:30 p.m) is Lot 82.

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