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: See Bios and Art Below

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

Cynthia Adams is interested in drawing and painting, in addition to photography. Cynthia has been a long-time member of Artreach and serves on Artreach’s board and program committee.

Becca Atkins is Executive Director at Artreach, Inc. She enjoys playing music with friends and learning new things. “I love movement, growth, and color, and find beauty in nature and authentic humans. This photography project allowed me to experience all of those things.”

Das Butts is a multimedia artist based out of Norwich, CT. Das loves to experiment in different art forms, adding her unique personality into all modalities of art she explores. Das’s photography focuses on the beauty of nature. Das is a longtime member of Artreach where she also participates in theatre and music programs.

Paul Collins is a multimedia artist from Moosup, Connecticut. Paul’s work is a mixture of creepy and cute figures from his imagination. In addition to photography Paul creates clay figurines, crochet, and digital art. Paul has been a member of Artreach for about three years where he has also participated in stand-up comedy. Paul uses art to help with his work-life balance.

Carin Jennie Estey is the Event Coordinator at Artreach, Inc., where she organizes recreation offerings and assists in running theater programs. Carin is a theatre artist and event coordinator by trade, but she enjoys experimenting with other artistic mediums such as crochet and watercolors, as a way to relax and tap into her creativity away from work.

LGrace’s work explores a “space within a space”—quiet moments inside larger environments. Her focus is on places and objects left behind, weathered or hidden in plain sight, capturing symmetry, stillness, and presence. “I photograph traces, silence, and subtle evidence of time, revealing unexpected beauty.” For Grace, photography is instinctive and personal; her aim is to evoke feelings – not just document. With over 20 years of experience in fashion, publishing, and film, her New York roots influence her perspective. She doesn’t just see a location—she experiences it. Her work has been exhibited in New York and nearby.

Leo Mulberry is a painter and print maker located in Norwich. Leo’s work often focuses on animals and the beauty of nature. In addition to photography, Leo also enjoys music. Leo has been a member of Artreach for four years.

Emma Palzere-Rae has been Associate Director of Artreach since 2019, where she oversees development and communications and also leads some theater and wellness programs. A multi-hyphenate theater artist (playwright, actor, director and producer), Emma enjoys forays into visual arts as well.

Dick Pape has been the Music Director at Artreach since 2011. “My approach to photography is improvisational as I seem to have an uncanny knack for just ‘point and shoot’ which often yields interesting results. My composed photos tend to be homages to significant life events.” Dick has been a professional musician for many… many! years!

Melody Smith is an artist originally from New Mexico currently based out of Norwich, CT. Melody is a photographer and multi-media artist. Her works often focus on geometric patterns and bright colors. As a colorblind artist, Melody uses refreshing color choices that reflect her unique view of the world. Her photography focuses on the beauty of nature and art. Melody is a longtime member and former board member of Artreach where she also participates in the theater and music programs.

Barbara Stanley is a multi-faceted artist based out of Norwich, Connecticut. Barbara’s work often utilizes multi-media and elements of collage. Barbara is excited to branch out into the world of photography. She also enjoys singing, playing her guitar, acting, creating pottery, and writing poetry. Barbara has been a member of Artreach for over 15 years, and enjoys using her artistic pursuits to help increase her self esteem.