ArtPrize Nine: Let Go

ArtPrize Nine Let Go by artist and facilitator Pamela Alderman will be showcased at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel from September 20 through October 8, 2017. The 19 x 6 foot mixed media painting is made of acrylic, paper, and transparent fabric on five wood panels. One hundred twenty-six participants pre-submitted handwritten Let Go sentences and letters that are now collaged into the painting.

Like many of Pamela’s past ArtPrize installations, visitors can interact with the work by writing their own Let Go sentences. The artist statement below explains how individuals may respond at the Let Go installation. Here are a couple of examples of the Let Go statements from the ArtPrize audience:

I’m letting go of your need to let go.
Signed, your wife

I’m letting go of self-blame for my son’s autism diagnosis.
Signed, your mother

Several people have attested to the healing they experienced as they wrote their Let Go statements. One participant said, “While thinking about what to write, I realized that I hadn’t forgiven my dad.” The pent up anger had been festering inside of him—even though his dad had been dead for thirty years. So he wrote a Let Go letter and forgave him. In doing this, he experienced a new freedom and healing at an art exhibit.

Artist Statement

…it takes much more strength to know when to let go…
Ann Landers

Life’s ebb and flow eventually may bring us to a healing place. At times, we feel like we’re drowning in the sea of despair, defeat, or disappointment. But transformation can occur if we are willing to accept change. Once we muster the courage to let go of whatever is dragging us under, a tiny lifeline of hope reaches back through the breakers to keep us afloat.

Invitation: Viewers Participate

Write a couple of words on the vellum paper to identify your struggle—the thing that is weighing you down—like control, fear, unforgiveness, etc. Just writing the words activates the healing process.

Next, crumple this paper. As you release the crumpled paper, it symbolically becomes one with the painting—mixing with the waves and being carried out to sea. Experience a new level of peace and soul healing as you begin to release the past or the present. So crumple the paper—and let go.

What are you letting go of?

A special thanks to PlexiCase Inc and Moonlight Graphics for their generous support!