PRESS RELEASE
Now that the leaves have started to change from their luscious green to warm hues of gold, orange and red, the Palmer Museum has transitioned into its winter operational hours of Wednesday through Friday, 10:00AM to 5:00PM and every second Saturday, 10:00AM to 6:00PM. Although the museum’s hours have changed, it still has plenty events planned this fall to keep those winter blues at bay.
Read these words: “You don’t have a runner’s body.” “You would look so much prettier if you lost some weight.” “When are you going to dye your hair?” Horrifying comments heard on the latest episode of your favorite television sitcom? Dialogue taken from the latest novel you read?
Sadly, no. These are just some of the negative body image remarks that have been spoken to several of the Palmer Museum’s “models” for its upcoming exhibit, The Art of Self Love. Inspired by New Jersey professional photographer, Jess Fielder’s “Project: Self Love,” the museum’s exhibit addresses the issues of female body image and how amidst a world filled with an abundance of visual media and the growing trend of body shaming, it is important to remember that it’s not the packaging that matters, but rather the contents. The idea of pretty is subjective and women should feel comfortable looking the way they want to look without feeling like they owe anybody.
The Art of Self Love is comprised of several images taken of eleven local “models,” women who were selected because of the contributions they make to the Palmer community or the challenges they have had to overcome. The images were taken by local up and coming photographer, Quentin Steinke. Each model was asked to bare their bodies and step out of their comfort zone by dressing in a black tank top and black shorts or underwear and be photographed. During their photography session, they were asked to write down something that another person has said to them at least once in their lifetime that negatively impacted their self-confidence. They were also asked to write down something that they believed was true about themselves that had nothing to do with physicality. The results are a unique collection of photographs that reveal just how altering words can be, and how when given a sounding board and being among other “victims” can be a healing and empowering experience. The Art of Self Love went on exhibit at the Palmer Museum beginning on October 8th and will run through November 18th with a special exhibit reception on November 12th.
The Palmer Museum has plenty planned this fall/winter including some fun along this year’s Small Business Saturday on November 26th and during this year’s Colony Christmas on December 9th and 10th, so make sure to mark your calendars so you don’t miss all the holiday fun! For more information about any of the Palmer Museum’s exhibits or events, please visit the museum website at www.palmermuseum.org, or contact a member of the museum staff at 746-7668.
About PMHA:
The Palmer Museum of History and Art is a non-profit museum that serves the community of Palmer in preserving and sharing the history and art of the Palmer region. The museum’s collections contain items that best depict region’s art history, exploration, settlement, agriculture, and trade, cultural and social development. During the summer, May 1st through September 30th, the museum also serves a Palmer’s Visitor’s Center and is open seven days a week from 9:00AM to 6:00PM. The museum also operates during the winter months from October 1st through April 30th, Wednesday through Friday, 10:00AM to 5:00PM and second Saturdays of the month, 10:00AM to 6:00PM.