posted on: 3/9/2019

A piece of art titled “Missing”, by local artist Amy Issa, will be on display at Dover City Hall for 30 days outside the City Clerk’s office. The exhibit is designed to raise awareness of the effects of suicide and consists of two four-foot by six-foot sections, painted in acrylic.

Issa describes her work as promoting "awareness of the effects of suicide. Not only representing the pain felt by those of us left behind, but also as an acknowledgement of the never-ending feeling of hopelessness suffered by those who either attempt or died by suicide. The simple, colorful silhouettes are used to represent the nameless, faceless people from all walks of life scarred by loss. The lasting tragic effects of losing someone to suicide are carried by the friends and loved ones left behind. Such a profound loss leaves an empty space in the hearts and souls of those living without their partner, son, daughter, mom, dad, friend... In some of the figures are holes meant to represent that space inside of us created by the loss of our loved one that can never be filled. The holes represent that piece of us they took with them when they left us behind."

Art installation at City Hall aims to increase suicide awareness

posted on: 3/9/2019

A piece of art titled “Missing”, by local artist Amy Issa, will be on display at Dover City Hall for 30 days outside the City Clerk’s office. The exhibit is designed to raise awareness of the effects of suicide and consists of two four-foot by six-foot sections, painted in acrylic.

Issa describes her work as promoting "awareness of the effects of suicide. Not only representing the pain felt by those of us left behind, but also as an acknowledgement of the never-ending feeling of hopelessness suffered by those who either attempt or died by suicide. The simple, colorful silhouettes are used to represent the nameless, faceless people from all walks of life scarred by loss. The lasting tragic effects of losing someone to suicide are carried by the friends and loved ones left behind. Such a profound loss leaves an empty space in the hearts and souls of those living without their partner, son, daughter, mom, dad, friend... In some of the figures are holes meant to represent that space inside of us created by the loss of our loved one that can never be filled. The holes represent that piece of us they took with them when they left us behind."

The City Council approved a resolution on Feb. 13, 2019 to display the art work. The resolution was sponsored by Mayor Karen Weston, City Councilor Matt Keane and City Councilor Dennis Shanahan. Shanahan serves as the Council liaison to the Arts Commission. The Arts Commission approved the temporary installation in November.

The Dover Arts Commission was established to develop and promote programs, forums and exhibits that highlight the talent and active art related venues currently existing within the city.

For more information, visit the Arts Commission on Facebook.