Exhibit Description: “Childhood Fears”
The Garden Fort Wayne is proud to present Childhood Fears, an art exhibition that explores the universal experience of fear through the lens of childhood. Opening on Thursday, October 16, from 6 to 8 PM, this exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the often-overlooked emotions and anxieties of youth, shining a light on the ways in which childhood fears shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.
In Childhood Fears, artists from various disciplines and backgrounds delve into the psychological landscape of childhood, where the unknown can take on a larger-than-life quality. These fears—whether they manifest as a fear of the dark, monsters under the bed, or the isolation of being misunderstood—are often dismissed in adulthood as mere fantasies or overactive imaginations. However, for children, these fears are very real, holding the power to influence their development and perceptions of the world for years to come.
The exhibition features works that range from abstract to representational, utilizing diverse mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media to articulate the many facets of childhood fear. Each piece in the exhibit invites the viewer to revisit their own childhood memories and reflect on the emotional depth of those early experiences, whether or not they were ever fully understood or resolved.
One of the central themes of Childhood Fears is the way in which children internalize fear, often finding it difficult to express or confront what they cannot fully comprehend. Many of the works in the exhibit explore the concept of isolation—both physical and emotional—as a key aspect of fear. Artists depict moments when a child is left alone with their imagination, unable to fully process the overwhelming sensations and emotions they face. These moments are rendered in surreal, distorted, and unsettling imagery, designed to evoke a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty.
Childhood Fears also tackles the way in which societal expectations influence how children learn to manage fear.
While Childhood Fears illuminates the darkness of the childhood psyche, it also seeks to offer a sense of healing and reconciliation. The exhibit does not simply present fear as something to be feared in itself but invites viewers to consider how we can transcend these fears through art, reflection, and empathy.
The opening reception on Thursday, October 16, from 6 to 8 PM will provide an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the artists and explore the powerful messages contained within the works. Light refreshments will be served, and the evening will include brief artist talks, where visitors can learn more about the inspiration behind the pieces and the processes involved in their creation.
The exhibit will run for several weeks, inviting both children and adults to revisit their own fears, ask important questions about the psychological effects of childhood anxieties, and find connection through shared experiences. Childhood Fears promises to be an emotional journey, filled with moments of discomfort, revelation, and, ultimately, understanding.
We invite you to come to the Garden Fort Wayne on October 16 to experience the depth and power of Childhood Fears—a compelling exploration of the fears that define our earliest experiences and, in many ways, shape who we become.
ARTISTS - the submission application will be opened up on 3/1/25 (the deadline for submission will be 8/13/25).