**EXHIBITION ON VIEW:** August 4, 2024 – September 30th, on the 4th Floor at the Trinity St. Playhouse.
**ABOUT:**
James Dean Jay Byrd’s first exhibit shows how his creativity supported him through clinical depression, beginning with a series of 22 quick ink sketches created in 2003. More recently, Jay painted versions of the sketches, then, with the encouragement of his therapist, tried his hand at portraiture, starting with a large self-portrait, and continuing through a set of portraits of friends and strangers. This exhibit features the sketches, painted versions of the sketches, and the portraits of friends of strangers.
Jay uses oil and acrylic paint markers.
James Dean Jay Byrd is a self-taught playwright, memoirist, performer, musician, and painter. His two solo performances (“Naked as a Gaybird” in 2015, and “Fumbling for the Knob” in 2017) were his first public examples of creativity-as-therapy.
**ARTIST RECEPTION:**
On August 4th 2024, 2-4pm we will host a reception for the artist. The reception is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.
**VIEWING:**
The 4th Floor is the lobby space of the Trinity St Playhouse. The work will be on display August 4th-September 30th on The 4th Floor. The exhibit is available to view by appointment, email **[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])** to plan a visit. OR come and see the art when you attend a performance at the Trinity St Playhouse. Find out what’s on stage **[HERE](https://trinitystreetplayers.com/?page_id=2145)**.
