Content Warning:  This event discusses suicide and depression.

On Saturday, August 28th, 2021, the Iota Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, the fraternity for artists, hosted their second program, How Art Can Heal. The keynote speaker was Hunter Irby, program director and charter member of the Iota chapter, serving Montgomery and Southeast Alabama.

Part of the fraternity’s Check On Me mental health initiative, How Art Can Heal highlighted one member’s journey toward healing. This event was one of raw emotion and vulnerability, focusing on how any art can help one through the difficulties that life may bring. It also stressed the importance of knowing that one is not alone in their sadness and discussed ways to help increase mental wellness and stability through artistic means.

Hunter discussed how art impacted his growth and led him to the current period of stability in his life. Detailing his struggle with intrusive thoughts, work-life balances, and loss of close family, he expressed how working with his craft and diving into other forms of art helped see him through.

As event participants were invited to speak about how they cope with their own bouts of sadness, Hunter broke down how all people are connected through struggle and have used the arts for assistance. He further stressed the importance of getting professional help if possible.

Hunter Irby is a recent alumnus of Troy University, earning his bachelor’s degree in graphic design with a minor in global business marketing. Throughout his time at Troy, he won the Silver Addy and Mosaic Award from the AAF, wrote and published Positive Shift, and created design work for different organizations and departments.

Gamma Xi Phi is a multi-disciplinary fraternity for artists of all genres and crafts.  It was established in 2010 at Ramapo College in New Jersey and expanded to Alabama in 2020.