Curated by the UIS Visual Arts Gallery, the exhibition at the Kidzeum features professional artists working in fiber, handmade paper, animation, sculpture, painting and installation to examine healing in its many forms—physical, emotional and social.

Art has long been recognized as a powerful tool for healing, from aiding personal recovery to helping communities process collective trauma. “Bit by Bit” acknowledges the deep need for healing in our communities, whether from personal struggles, health issues or injury, the lasting impact of the pandemic or the traumas that have shaped Springfield’s history.

Exhibiting artists include Beth Barron (Minneapolis), Betsy Dollar (Springfield), Tanya Gill (Chicago), Rita Grendze (Chicago), Janie Stamm (St. Louis), Selina Trepp (Chicago), Grant Benoit (St. Louis), Amanda Grieve (Edinburg), Shane Harris (Springfield), and artist seating by the UIS Art Students League.