Stories of Their Sacrifices: PTSD comes to Bokeh Gallery

PHOENIX - May 12, 2015 - PRLog -- Shade Projects is proud to present Stories of Their Sacrifices: PTSD, the photography of Christopher OShana and Scott Johnson in Bokeh Gallery at the monOrchid during PTSD Awareness month. This exhibition showcases two brilliant series of photography bringing light to the important topic of PTSD, the men and women it affects as well as the animals which help to heal. Bokeh gallery will showcase raw and emotional imagery captured by these two talented Veterans who photograph other Veterans diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder before, during and after treatment, says Shade Projects Curator, Nicole Royse. She goes on to say, “I am honored to work with these me, bringing such powerful projects to the community while continuing to help bring awareness to such an important cause.”

PTSD refers to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder which is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event and it has affected so many of our military men, women and their families. When asked about his work OShana said “It is my goal to raise awareness of PTSD for the Veterans who suffer from it, and to get those who are touched by this series to get involved in helping Veterans.” Both artists stress that “PTSD plays havoc on the warrior, whether they are having nightmares, anger issues, depression or other issues relating to it”.

Through these projects and incredible photographs we are able to see the animals which help to heal and most importantly give these amazing individuals the opportunity to share their struggle and battle with PTSD. These artists was able to capture amazing and emotionally charged moments, asking the viewer to take a moment and try understand what these veterans have gone through. OShana spoke extensively with each subject, hearing their story and while trying capture an image that encompasses the sacrifice and suffering they endured. Johnson works extensively with Soldiers Best Friend following each teams journey through the program, documenting the bond establishEd between the Veteran and their new best friend. Through his continued work with SBF, Johnson is able to give back to his fellow Veteran with a meaningful photograph that can be cherished for years to come.

OShana is a retired Navy Veteran who served 20 years. He is currently pursuing his AAS in Digital Photography from Phoenix College. Boats has received numerous awards for his photography including the Maricopa County Community College District Artist of Promise winner in 2011 and placed in the 2012 Western Eye Photography Competition at Phoenix College and in 2013 granted workspace at the monOrchid Gallery downtown Phoenix, AZ. Take the time to check out this wonderful feature on Oshana PTSD Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxPDu3ztgcI&feature=y....



Johnson is a U.S. Army Veteran of two wars including the Persian Gulf and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). He is also a wounded warrior, having retired after  23 years of service from illness and injuries sustained in Iraq supporting OIF as a Military Policeman. He volunteers and donates his professional photography services to Soldiers Best Friend http://soldiersbestfriend.org/ (SBF) and the committed Veteran/Dog teams that graduate from the program.

The Opening Reception will be held on First Friday, June 5th from 6-10pm with the artist in attendance. The Closing Reception will be held Third Friday, June 19th from 7-10pm featuring an intimate evening with the artist, amazing artwork, wine and more. Stories of Their Sacrifices: PTSD will be on display in Bokeh Gallery at the monOrchid from June 5 until June 27, 2015. The monOrchid is located at 214 E. Roosevelt Street in the heart of Phoenix's downtown Roosevelt Row Arts District. The building is open daily and the exhibition may be viewed during business hours. Visit our website for more information at monorchid.com. For media inquiries or a private appointment to view this exhibition Please contact Shade Projects Curator, Nicole Royse by phone at (602) 810-3449 or by email at nicoleroyse@gmail.com.