PORT ANGELES — A journey through sickness and health is happening over the next month at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center.
Today brings the next dramatic episode: Artist and writer Bryn Barnard will come from his San Juan Island home to give the backstory on “Outbreak!,” his exhibition at the fine arts center, 1203 E. Lauridsen Blvd.
The “Outbreak!” show, an artistic look at the plagues and afflictions that have altered the course of history, is composed of paintings from Barnard’s book of the same name.
And these are striking images, taking the viewer into San Francisco during the Spanish flu epidemic, to a Pacific Northwest community ravaged by smallpox and into the lonely bedroom where a boy with tuberculosis looks out a window.
In a free PowerPoint presentation at 2 p.m. today, Barnard will delve into questions posed in the book and the show, which will be on display at the center through March 13.
Did the Black Death destroy the feudal system in Europe? Did cholera pave the way for modern Manhattan? Did yellow fever help end the slave trade? Barnard said yes to all of these.
Yet the artist’s purpose isn’t to frighten people or to ogle misfortune, said Jake Seniuk, director of the fine arts center.
Instead, “Outbreak!” highlights the public health practices that many people, at least in well-developed nations, take for granted.
His program, Seniuk added, blends science and history with art and philosophy. And it may well be an eye-opener.
Seniuk, meanwhile, is planning some soothing material to go with the tough stuff: Today, before and after Barnard’s talk, the St. Andrew’s Church Choir will offer a set of inspirational songs.
Leading the choir is Jim Couture, a music therapist who uses sound as a healing salve in medical, psychiatric, hospice and community settings.
Next month, the fine arts center’s “Acts of Healing” series will begin with two more programs.
This Friday, Feb. 4, brings sound therapist Vickie Dodd, vocalizer Marline Lesh and cellist James Hoskins together for an evening titled “Rest in Restless Times,” beginning at 7 p.m.
The trio will fill the air with sounds designed to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, the system humans use to relax and meditate.
The feelings of rest and renewal that come from sound therapy and music, Seniuk believes, are the kind that last long after the performance.
More vibrational healing will be on tap Sunday, Feb. 13, when didgeridu player Stuart Dempster offers two sessions of his “Sound Massage Parlor.”
Participants will be invited to lie back on the floor of the fine arts center to enjoy the music of the didgeridu, an aboriginal Australian blowpipe.
Yoga mats, camping pads, quilts and comforters are advised. “A personal ‘blankie’ with a benevolent history is best,” Seniuk said.
Mats will be provided for those who need them.
The Feb. 13 Sound Massage Parlor will get under way at 1 p.m. and again at 5 p.m.; since space is limited, participants are urged to purchase their tickets well in advance.
Admission to “Rest in Restless Times” and to either Sound Massage session is $15, or $12 for Friends of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center members. Tickets to any of these events may be purchased at the center or by phoning 360-457-3532.
Information about them, as well as about other programs coming in March, is available at www.PAFAC.org.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3550 or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
