By Lynn Buske, JONAH Organizer and Curator of Encounters; with contributions by Max Davis, UWEC Social Work Student and JONAH Intern
When you know in your heart something is good for people, keep with it and it will blossom. That is my takeaway from this year’s exhibition, along with a heart full of joy knowing this exhibition impacted many people deeply.
It takes awhile for anything to catch on, as the word spreads. Events and narratives alike. Encounters is in its second year and I really love all of it – it holds all that JONAH stands for in physical form: collaboration, stories, shifts in perspective, relationship, lifting up and empowering voices, and meaningful discussion.
And it has grown! This year there were more collaborators. Involved in planning were: JONAH, UWEC Art Department, the Eau Claire Hmong Association, BaredFeet, Welcoming New Neighbors, and Amy Hahn art therapist, all as before, AND joining in were the CVTC English Language Learning department, and community members SZ Putnam and Katrina Vu. There was much more art this year – over 50 artists in total!
In the first year we had students interpret JONAH task force stories. This year it was almost all art done by the story-teller, including: the unseen in loved ones told by drawing students, several powerful LGBTQ+ themed artworks, collaborative community pieces, personal stories of identity shared from all walks of experiences and several countries, a wall of hearts offering a new lens, welcome messages, and warm quilts. I did a workshop with the adult English learners at CVTC and they created pieces that tell of their various homelands and journeys here. Running in the background was a video of interviews of campus folks sharing their real thoughts and experiences, as collected and edited by our intern Max Davis.
We also added events this year!
- An opening reception (attended by 75) where Jerrika Mighelle’s music opened our hearts to what these stories/pieces have to offer as her authentic voice, musicality, and vocalized experiences demonstrated what doesn’t happen in regular life but CAN if we pause to see, ask, and listen with curiosity and sincerity.
- The poetry reading was a real treat for me as it really was art-in-word told by the person who lived it. We heard seven poets speak from completely different backgrounds, ages, and experiences. We saw how they connected to each other and to us all as humans. People who read told others of their experience – many found courage to do so for the first time, to a supportive audience of about 30.
- About 15 guests were treated to a performance by a troupe of high school competitive Hmong dancers, who floated in the room with bells and a flash of pink, with smiles, as they told a mesmerizing story (that I can’t articulate with words) through many smooth formations and sharp lines that highlighted each individual dancer. Their family members were in attendance creating a special moment. JONAH insists on holding the Encounters Art Exhibit at the Hmong Center because the exhibit belongs in that setting, the space is beautiful, and our collaboration with ECAHMAA strengthens the exhibition while also supporting their work.
- The Artist Discussion was an emotionally impactful session involving artists getting the chance to explain, talk about their connection to, and put a face to their creations. The 15 attendees had the opportunity to ask questions about and express their appreciation for the artwork, building meaningful relationships with both the art and the artists themselves. Each piece, person, and connection were distinct from one another, and the bonds formed during the time were full of deep understanding and value.
The intended theme was to be Celebrating Differences, but it really became a spotlight on what goes unseen – revealing something beautiful, because usually there is beauty in that .
An unseen part of Encounters is the UW students – who use their creative eyes to help display everything, create pieces, and volunteer their time in a rare service-learning opportunity in their field of study.
The result of all this is relationship – on a deeper level, beneath the surface and lifted/empowered voices. Attendees shared that they felt moved, connected, inspired – like they were truly able to know others better without having to meet them. Several artists shared with me how meaningful it was for them to have a venue to be seen – for some, this was the first time they named themselves as an artist. Offering a place for budding artists wanting to express real, powerful messages proved to be healing and empowering. One artist shared that participating created cross-community relationships and impact!This was funded by generous individual donors who valued the exhibition last year, and by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board through the National Endowment for the Arts. You can view the exhibit pieces here: https://jonahjustice.org/2025-encounters-art-exhibit-photos/ I’m working on printing a book, which will also contain the poems. Please mark your calendars for early November 2026 for the next Encounters – it already is growing further, as several folks have asked to be part of it. My one-word feeling word? Grateful.