Hope Ross is originally from Saint Peter’s, Missouri and is currently attending Southeast Missouri State University. She is working on her BFA with an emphasis in painting.

This exhibition is a personal presentation of the artist’s healing process from past sexual trauma. Ross turned to art and specifically painting as a coping mechanism. She uses butterflies as a motif in her work to symbolize change and growth within herself. This exhibition tells a story of her healing process that ranges from depression and revenge fantasies to finding peace and newfound confidence. Almost every piece includes or alludes to a butterfly, some more literal while others are abstracted, cementing the theme of change throughout every piece.

Each month and as a part of a program to promote community based and integrated art making, a student artist is chosen to exhibit his or her work at Catapult Creative House’s Slingshot Gallery. These exhibitions will showcase a range of work from individual artists that highlights their personal and professional artistic explorations as a part of the Southeast Missouri art community. These artists explore the physicality of the human condition, its relationship to nature, and the role of art in contemporary society. In addition to the exhibition, attendees are welcome to tour the studio spaces, view ongoing projects, and engage with the artists.

A closing reception for A Therapy Session with Butterflies will take place November 4, from 5 – 8 p.m.

Catapult Creative House is located at 612 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. All gallery exhibitions, events and talks are free and open to the public. For more information contact Christy Mershon at cmershon@semo.edu or (573) 651-2651 or Dr. Joni Hand at jhand@semo.edu.