A Picture of Health in NCW Art Show Opens Friday, March 11 in Moses Lake

WENATCHEE, WA, Feb 26, 2016 -- What are some of the things you do to take care of your own health? Maybe you make it a priority to spend time exploring outdoors each day, exercising your curiosity and your body. Do you foster your own sense of well-being and belonging by helping others? Are there traditions in your family around food, gatherings, and learning that contribute to your wellness? What are some of the things you do to feed your spiritual health?

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These are some of the questions that the Initiative for Rural Innovation & Stewardship (IRIS), Community Choice Healthcare Network, and the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center are teaming up to explore through a new exhibit series that launches Friday, March 11, “A Picture of Health in North Central Washington.”  Opening night activities will include a reception from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. with beverages and appetizers provided by Camas Cove Cellars and The Evolving Plate.

Set to run from March 11-April 29, 2016 in Moses Lake the exhibit will highlight stories from Grant, Douglas, Okanogan and Chelan counties about how people foster their individual health, as well as that of the communities and environment in which they live. Following this initial show A Picture of Health in NCW will travel to Quincy, the site of IRIS’s 2016 NCW Community Success Summit, and then to other communities in the region.   

“We believe everyone has a story that can inspire someone else,” said Nancy Warner, IRIS Program Coordinator. “Our goal for this series is to bring those stories to light so they can grow, broadening perspectives and spurring action along the way.”

More than 80% of the practices that contribute to our health are outside the boundaries of what we think of as health care. “Where we live, what we eat, and who we spend time with far outweigh the influence of medical care in determining our health,” notes Deb Miller, Community Choice Interim Director.  

Our community institutions and workplaces can also foster health in our region as Freya Liggett,   Moses Lake Museum and Art Center Manager, points out. “The exhibition is a chance for the museum to broaden our service goals,” she explained. “As a program of Moses Lake Parks & Recreation, maintaining a balanced wellness strategy is one of our key goals.  Exploring the various aspects of wellness through the lens of photography in A Picture of Health in NCW is a great way to stay true to the museum’s cultural mission, while expanding on a more rounded definition of wellness.”

Twenty eight photographers have submitted over 80 photos for use in the first exhibit showing how self-care, community and the environment all contribute to their health. Project partners have selected 20 of these photos illustrating all aspects of whole person health for the 2016 traveling exhibit. Additional photos from Grant County and the greater region will be featured in the exhibit’s first stop at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center and at the digital gallery on  www.pictureofhealthncw.org.

Warner and Miller began gathering examples of what people do to foster their own health starting last spring. A list of these can be seen by visiting the Picture of Health site on the Listening Post Network at www.irisncw.org and on the Picture of Health in NCW website, that will go live the night of the show. 

Support for A Picture of Health in NCW was provided in part by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington.  For more information on the art show opening contact Freya Liggett at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center at 509-764-3830. To learn more about A Picture of Health in NCW contact the IRIS office at 509-888-7374. 

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IRIS fosters sustainable rural communities in NCW by gathering and sharing success stories that enhance a sense of belonging, inspire action, and build community. We believe that thriving communities in a healthy environment create success.

Community Choice facilitates healthy communities through its support for a high quality, integrated and efficient healthcare delivery system, informed healthcare consumers, innovation and leadership.

​The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center (MAC) is dedicated to exploring the human and natural history of the Columbia Basin and celebrating the works of regional artists.