To address the escalating maternal health crisis in the United States, Dr. Ato Wright and Dr. Tonya S. Wright are set to present It Is True, I Was Created In You, a benefit exhibit slated for this Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 in Mechanicsburg, Pa. The exhibition will feature commissioned works by 29 contemporary artists of the African diaspora, all aimed at raising awareness about the challenges mothers face during pregnancy and childbirth. The exhibition seeks to initiate conversations and actions that contribute to better maternal healthcare outcomes in the United States.
The event has its roots in a passion for education and advocacy. Dr. Ato Wright and Dr. Tonya S. Wright have a history of supporting artists and charitable causes, embodying their commitment to societal improvement. Notably, they were patrons for British sculptor Dominique White during her residency at DEO Projects in Chios Island, Greece. They also have organized art events benefiting organizations like the Lymphoma Leukemia Society (LLS).
Despite advances in healthcare, pregnancy-related complications in the U.S. continue to rise. Shockingly, over 1,200 mothers lost their lives to these complications in 2021 alone, and the rates are anticipated to climb in the coming years. Of particular concern is the disproportionately high risk that Black women face, regardless of their socioeconomic status or underlying medical conditions.
In response to this crisis, the It Is True, I Was Created In You exhibit endeavors to harness the power of art to spotlight these pressing issues surrounding maternal health. Artists featured in the exhibit include Ashante Kindle, Lex Marie, Kojo Marfo, and more. The artists have had their work shown in Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown, Md. and the Susquehanna Art Museum, Harrisburg, Pa. They have had solo shows in the U.K. the U.S., Cuba, and other countries, and they have been featured on CNN and in Cultured Magazine, among others.
The commissioned works from these renowned artists will be available for sale, with the proceeds intended to establish an endowment within the obstetrics and gynecology department at Penn State Health. This endowment is designed to endure over time to support ongoing efforts within the department. The financial support garnered from the exhibit will aid in training medical students and resident physicians, furthering research into the root causes of poor maternal outcomes and preparing future clinicians to serve underserved communities.
