STATE COLLEGE — It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, alone and hopeless in a world full of stress and division. Is that the only option?
That question is explored in a new art exhibition at 3 Dots in downtown State College. “The Dreamer’z Dojo” opened with a reception on March 22 and runs through April 30.
Located at 137 E. Beaver Ave. in State College, 3 Dots is a vibrant downtown space that hosts artistic and innovative experiences.
The exhibition brings to life an illustrated book by illustrator, animator and painter Bella Lucy, who seeks to bring people together through art to embrace their differences and have tough conversations about toxic societal structures.
Ultimately, its message is one of hope. “The idea is to reassure viewers that they are not alone, by depicting their own fears and concerns,” says Erica Quinn, executive director of 3 Dots. “Bella Lucy’s work encourages us to come together around our shared experiences, so we can create a community that gives us hope for the future.”
A native of Ardmore, Lucy plans to graduate from Penn State’s School of Visual Arts in May 2022. Her art uses vibrant colors, unconventional proportions, and intricate details to create otherworldly characters and environments that question society’s standards for normalcy. Her goal through art is to create a safe place for people to connect with their imagination and emotions.
This exhibition invites visitors into Lucy’s imaginative depiction of modern societal pressures with interactive display of pages from her original book, “The Dreamer’z Dojo Vol. 1.”
The first part of the book is an illustrated short story, “A Spiral in the Dreamer’z Dojo.” It follows a college student who falls into a spiral of overthinking while washing their face. Their mind becomes overwhelmed by trying to navigate the future as a young adult during the age of social media and last stage capitalism.
The second part of the book stems from a simple prompt Bella Lucy posted to Instagram: “Ask a question to your future self.” The majority of responses were submitted by members of “Generation Z” and emphasized their fears for the future. Bella Lucy captured each response in a series of black and white line drawings, compiled in “The Future Self Project.”
Copies of Bella Lucy’s book, The Dreamer’z Dojo, will be available for preorder starting on March 22, and will be available for purchase online on May 2.
In addition to the exhibition’s opening event, visitors can meet Bella Lucy at a special celebration of the exhibition on April 1, which will feature Miss Melanie and refreshments for purchase. On April 16, Bella will host an Art and Journaling Workshop dedicated to helping participants channel peace for their future selves.
