This article is part of a monthly series celebrating Brock’s rich history of community engagement and enduring commitment to the mutual exchange of knowledge and resources within the Niagara community and beyond. To read other stories in the series, visit The Brock News.

For Dani RJ Hummel, creating art is as necessary as breathing; it’s where everything comes out.

“Producing artwork helps me work through my trauma and gives the pain somewhere to live outside of my body. My creative practice has taught me to approach life with curiosity and allowed for so much growth as an artist — and a person,” they said.

A member of Willow Arts Community (Willow), Hummel has showcased their artwork over the past two years in community partnership exhibitions at the Visual Arts Gallery within Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) — the next of which, unscene, opens May 29.

Located in downtown St. Catharines, Willow is an arts and peer support organization providing low-barrier opportunities for artists with lived experiences of mental illness or substance use in Niagara.

The partnership between Brock and Willow aims to provide an enriching gallery experience for community members.

Leigh MacLeod (left), Willow Arts Community Founder and Executive Director, took in the artwork of “unscene” exhibiting artist Dani RJ Hummel (right) earlier this year, including hidden messages in their piece “When Lies Burn and Truth Falls” (2024).

MIWSFPA Visual Arts Gallery Co-ordinator Sonya Marie de Lazzer said this community driven work is important because it centres and empowers local voices and perspectives.

“By creating a shared space for expression and connection, together we are encouraging public dialogue and expanding opportunity for conversation, reflection and empathy in our community,” de Lazzer said.

For Leigh MacLeod, Willow Founder and Executive Director, the ability for members to publicly showcase artwork is significant.

“I have the privilege of getting to know our Willow members and seeing their creativity and perspectives expressed through their brilliant art; working with the MIWSFPA allows more people to witness and connect to these experiences,” they said.

For Hummel, showing their work in a professional gallery setting was not something they always thought possible; on one hand it has been exhilarating, but on the other, it has been uncomfortable.

Hummel has developed their artistic practice and now leads educational initiatives at Willow, including supporting others with creative writing courses and leading projects with community partners.

“It’s been incredible to share my art and creativity with the world,” Hummel said.

MacLeod said Hummel’s experience resonates with other Willow members and that the partnership with MIWSFPA has allowed for their diverse perspectives to be heard by the community in meaningful ways.

“Our members are often marginalized individuals who do not have access to the same opportunities because of their lived experiences with mental illness or substance use. Whether they face financial, social, psychological or health barriers, we strive to remove real obstacles so folks can access enriching and meaningful opportunities,” MacLeod said.

Planning the exhibition begins several months before the opening reception when de Lazzer visits Willow offering an open information session. She provides details to members such as gallery floor plan, available space, electricity options, ceiling mount options and technological capability.

“Before artists begin or complete the work that will be exhibited, everyone has a chance to visualize the space and ask any questions about the process,” she said.

On installation day when Willow members bring their work to the gallery, de Lazzer said the collaborative nature of the process is thrilling.

The Brock and wider Niagara community gathered at the MIWSFPA Visual Arts Gallery for the opening reception of “unscene” to celebrate the work of Willow Arts Community members and artists.

“We see all the artwork in the space and begin to play with layout. Artists are always invited to be there and be part of those discussions,” de Lazzer said.

Guiding the process with her curatorial expertise, de Lazzer ensures that accessibility and inclusivity are addressed.

“We want to make sure we are incorporating accessibility features like text placement, audio components or clear pathways to move through the space itself, so everyone can enjoy the artwork,” she said.

In addition to mounting the exhibition, Brock graduates work on an ongoing basis with Willow to deliver artistic workshops and sessions including interdisciplinary artist Amber Lee Williams (BA ’20), multidisciplinary artist Skye Rogers (STAC ’22) and musician Joe Lapinski (BA ’99), among others.

MacLeod said for Willow, the arts are vital to people’s survival.

“When we speak of recovery, it is not as a finish line, but an ongoing journey of knowing you belong somewhere. Seeing our members shine with their work at the MIWSFPA gallery is a profound honour,” MacLeod said.