Solo show by artist and veterinarian, Dr. Beth Allen, about her personal journey with DID, runs through February in Batavia, NY.
Artist’s Solo Show is a Revealing Personal Journey
By Joanne Beck
Dr. Beth Allen has been fairly open about her life. Her first solo art exhibit furthers that by taking visitors on an intimate journey of her early years up to today.
“I’m happy, life is fulfilling and rewarding,” Allen said while setting up the exhibit Monday. “It’s a whole story, there’s poetry, sculpture, drawings, paintings, journals. There’s a start point and a path to follow.”
Allen has publicly talked about her past sexual abuse and the related psychological damage, disorders and trauma that she endured as a result. Her exhibit “Multiple Hearts” opened this week in the Main Gallery at the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, 201 East Main St., Batavia.
The exhibition captures many moments of the hurt, anger and betrayal that Allen felt as she gradually went from patient to advocate for mental health issues.
Many of the self-portraits are not merely of Allen but some of the 23 different personalities she experienced while growing up. One shows a face with large green eyes and no mouth to illustrate how Allen’s mind and body were being controlled when she was told that she “deserved” what was happening to her.
She will be selling stacks of oversized, colorful postcards, framed photography and gratitude journals during the exhibit. She will donate 25 percent of her sale proceeds to MHA during the month of January and 25 percent to the Advocacy Center in February.
Dr. Beth Allen’s “Multiple Hearts” exhibit will run through Feb. 27 at GO-ART!, 201 East Main St., Batavia. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment.
An artists reception is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 18.
Sue Gagne, assistant executive director of Mental Health Association in Genesee County, said that her agency is happy to support Allen’s exhibit by having staff at the reception.
“Our agency is supporting this venture; we really believe in what she does,” Gagne said. “She definitely brings a great perspective to our agency. We have benefitted from her experience as a volunteer and a leader. Beth has been a great partner in helping us bring awareness to the community by breaking down the stigma of mental illness.”
For more information about the exhibit, call (585) 343-9313.
Allen, 50, is a veterinarian who lives with her husband Mark in Elba. She has been a huge animal rights advocate and is also involved in Peaceful Genesee, Mental Health Association in Genesee County, Criminal Justice Day, Crossroads of Harmony and Justice For Children Advocacy Center.
She was a 2012 Fabulous Females Award recipient. Carol Grasso nominated Allen for her many attributes, but said she loves her most “because she is a survivor.”
