“Trauma happens in isolation, healing happens in community.” That’s the statement made by Saprea Executive Director Matt Hartvigsen during the opening of a powerful new exhibit at the Old Dome Meeting Hall. 

“Still Standing: The Art of the Fight” celebrates the resiliency of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The exhibit showcases the journey of people who survived cancer, serious illness or accidents, sexual abuse, depression and more.

Vicki Wartman, Riverton arts administrator, experienced a battle with breast cancer, where she found the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s wellness center that provides an integrative approach to healing that includes painting, writing and music.

“I thought it was a great idea to bring art and wellness together,” Wartman said. “You can fight and you can survive, and art is everywhere. You help heal yourself through your hobbies and your experiences, and especially through art.”

The exhibit features 12 artists and organizations, including Olivia Dibble (Miss Riverton 2025), Nixon Whatcott (Nixon Strong Foundation), Millie Flamm (Millie’s Princess Foundation), Kirsten Busse, Nate Brimhall, Russell Richards, Dana Klien with Project Shine and the Saprea nonprofit that supports child sexual abuse healing.

Richards created the backdrops for Riverton’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” He faced many challenges during the last two years and found himself closing off from things he loved. Once he got involved with the city’s theater group, he was drawn back into purpose and possibility.

“It reopened things for me and reignited that fire so I could get back on that horse, or even get back to my old self,” Richards said. “You need to surround yourself with loved ones, you need to surround yourself with people who not only challenge you but also have that passion, so you can see it. Then just don’t ever give up.”

Busse is a painter from American Fork who was involved in a serious accident that fractured a vertebra in her lower back and broke both wrists. She didn’t know if she’d regain her ability to paint or even care
for herself. 

After four surgeries and months of physical therapy, Busse found she could return to her art, allowing it to help process her grief. She discovered that painting captured the negative emotions she was dealing with and channeled those feelings into brush strokes and color. 

“The accident caused a total, unexpected shift,” Busse said. “It was this total renaissance. I love painting and this is giving me hope and giving me light.”

Along with the artwork, the exhibit features a “Survivor Wall” that depicts the strength and resiliency of survivors of child sexual abuse, captured through photography and quotes. Hosted by Saprea, an organization that supports individuals affected by child sexual abuse, the display illustrates each person’s healing journey. 

Dibble’s contribution to the exhibit explains her love of music and its rejuvenating effect on recovery. Her Miss Riverton community service initiative focuses on how the language of music can help people express emotions and connect with others.

“When I’m sad, I sit down at the piano and I write a song. When I’m happy, I sit down at the piano and I write a song,” Dibble said. “It’s so fulfilling to pour your heart out into a piece of art, no matter if it’s music, painting or anything. It’s powerful.”

The “Still Standing” exhibit runs through Aug. 27. It can be seen at the Old Dome Meeting Hall (1452 W. 12600 South) on Monday through Wednesday, from noon until 5 p.m., at no cost. To schedule a visit outside regular hours, call 385-237-3421. For more information, visit
rivertonutah.gov/exhibits. λ