On Exhibit at the Garde

AtelierMOCA spent a week working with Artreach members and staff in September 2025.

During the Unseen Stories workshops, participants were introduced to the Empathic Gaze (TM), an interdisciplinary framework created by Mona Penn Jousset. They were invited to consider the responsibility of both the photographer and the viewer in shaping images with care, understanding, and respect. While learning about Light, Composition, and Storytelling, participants gained new perspectives on how photography can serve as a tool for connection, storytelling, and deeper awareness of others. The workshop culminated in an exhibition at Artreach’s Gallery in Norwich.

We are pleased to share this expanded exhibit with the Garde and its patrons.

Artists:

Cynthia Adams
Rebecca Atkins
Das Butts
Paul Collins
Carin Jennie Estey
L. Grace
Leo Mulberry
Emma Palzere-Rae
Dick Pape
Melody Smith
Barbara Stanley

Consultant: L. Grace

About AtelierMOCA:

AtelierMOCA is a creative platform founded by educator, writer, speaker, podcaster, and curator Mona Penn-Jousset and photographer, filmmaker, and mentor Coco Olakunle. Rooted in their shared belief in a more connected and empathetic world, MOCA brings together education, storytelling, and visual practice to amplify diverse perspectives.

With over thirty years of international teaching experience, Mona Penn-Jousset has taught across the United States, the Netherlands, and France, and was the first lecturer of African descent at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. Coco Olakunle, a Nigerian-Dutch artist, brings a vibrant global perspective shaped by her work across Europe and Africa, where she is known for her intimate portraits and socially engaged photography, including work in refugee communities.

Together, they create platforms for dialogue and learning through photography, film, and writing, while supporting emerging image-makers and collaborating with cultural and educational institutions worldwide.

AtelierMoca.com.

About Artreach:

Artreach heals through creativity.

Using the creative arts, Artreach supports sustainable recovery from psychiatric disorders and raises awareness about mental health in the community. By providing theater, music, visual arts, and recreational opportunities to members, Artreach enhances the quality of its members’ lives and teaches skills that help them achieve and sustain recovery after experiencing mental illnesses. Our public performances and art exhibits engage attendees in conversation about mental health and serve to bust the stigma of mental illness, creating social change.

Founded in 1985, Artreach is known for the Second Step Players sketch comedy troupe, the Music Heals Coffeehouse, and Mixed Bag performances of comedy and music.

ArtreachHeals.org

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Special Event:

Join AtelierMOCA and Artreach for a special event on Wednesday, June 3rd: 

Women in Photography: Then + Now

6:00: Unseen Stories on view, meet AtelierMOCA 

7:00 pm: performance of Breaking Glass – a one-woman show inspired by Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, written and performed by Emma Palzere-Rae.

8:00 pm: Fireside Chat with AtelierMOCA and Emma Palzere-Rae, moderated by Artreach Executive Director Becca Atkins.

For more information and to reserve a seat:

FREE TICKETS