For Immediate Release:
February 1, 2022
Holyoke Mall Media Contact:
Lisa Wray, 413-536-1441
I am More Media Contact:
Amy Kerr, 978-496-5646
Holyoke Mall Welcomes the Western Massachusetts Regional “I am More: Massachusetts,” Art & Writing Exhibit
— Art and writing exhibit reminds us we are more than our life situation, health diagnosis, mental illness or physical differences-–
Holyoke, MA – Holyoke Mall has welcomed, “I am More: Massachusetts”, a public art and writing exhibit created by Gloucester artist, Amy Kerr. The exhibit features twenty paintings of individuals from around Massachusetts, including Leverett, Amherst and Feeding Hills locally, accompanied by essays to remind us that we are more than our life situation, health diagnosis, mental illness or physical differences. The exhibit will be on display during mall hours through March 12th on the lower level near Macy’s.
After her struggle with depression, Amy was inspired to share her story and the story of others that they are more than the daily challenges they live with. The faces and essays exhibit covers issues that many struggle with including cancer, PTSD, anxiety, poverty, addiction, sexual abuse, suicide and surviving the Holocaust, among others. The portraits depict the subjects in some of their favorite locations or enjoying their favorite pastimes. The essay next to the portrait shares their story, how they overcame their struggles and how they are so much more. According to Kerr, “The pain they live with is just one facet of a person with skills, gifts, loves and hopes that are sometimes overshadowed by the struggle for wellness. The purpose of ‘I Am More’ is to shine a light on these gifts and start a conversation about these often taboo subjects with the hope of encouraging others to reach out for help and support, and to feel less alone. In light of the pandemic, these messages are needed now more than ever.” Resources will be provided by regional non-profits related to the topics addressed.
Holyoke Mall’s General Manager, Lynn Gray shared, “Holyoke Mall is honored to be selected for the Western Mass stop on this exhibit’s tour and share these meaningful stories with the community. The exhibit reminds us that someone walking among us could be suffering, so many of us have challenges, that we are not alone, and there is help.”
The exhibit has been traveling the state since October, 2019 and will conclude at the Massachusetts State House upon reopening.
For more about Amy Kerr, and the “I am More: Massachusetts exhibit,” please visit amykerrdraws.org.
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About Holyoke Mall at Ingleside
Holyoke Mall is Western’s New England’s premiere shopping center located in Holyoke’s Ingleside neighborhood and conveniently located near the interchange of I-90 and I-91. Holyoke Mall was built in 1979 and later expanded in 1995- now spanning 1.6 million square feet. The three-level Mall is home to 150 shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and department stores including: Macy’s, Best Buy, Target, Round1 Bowling & Amusement, Victoria’s Secret, Apple, Altitude Trampoline Park, DSW, Forever 21, Loft, H&M, Sumo Japanese Steakhouse, 110 Grill, and more. For more information, visit www.holyokemall.com.
About Pyramid Management Group, LLC
Pyramid Management Group, owner of Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, is one of the largest, most innovative, privately-held real estate developers in the northeast. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, Pyramid’s portfolio of dynamic shopping, dining and entertainment destinations and expanding hospitality presence dominate the northeast with 16 properties located throughout New York and Massachusetts. For nearly 50 years, Pyramid has built its reputation on being first, fast, ahead of the curve and always what’s next, leading the industry in combining the best elements of traditional retail with world-class dining and entertainment, all under one roof. For more information, visit www.pyramidmg.com.