Women in Photography: Then + Now
June 3 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Free
ARTREACH, INC. PRESENTS
WOMEN IN PHOTOGRAPHY: THEN + NOW on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3rd
Special Event Combines Photography Exhibit, Performance and Conversation
(Norwich, CT – March 11, 2026). Artreach, Inc. will present Women in Photography: Then + Now on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 7:00 pm in the Oasis Room at the Garde Arts Center. The special event will feature a performance of Breaking Glass, a solo play written and performed by Emma Palzere-Rae. The play will be followed by a fireside chat with Mona Penn-Jousset and Coco Olakunle of AtelierMOCA, moderated by Artreach’s executive director, Rebecca Atkins. The Garde Arts Center is located at 325 State Street, New London, CT. Doors open at 6:00 pm for viewing of the photography exhibit Unseen Stories. The event is free and open to the public; reservations are required and may be made through the Garde at https://gardearts.org/events/women-photography-then-now/. For more information about the program and Artreach, Inc., visit www.ArtreachHeals.org.
Artreach, Inc., in collaboration with AtelierMOCA and Be Well Productions, presents Women in Photography: Then + Now, a special event including an art exhibit, theatrical performance, and an engaging fireside conversation exploring the past, present, and future of women in photography. The Lobby Gallery will be open between 6:00 and 7:00 pm to view the photography exhibit Unseen Stories. Mingle with AtelierMOCA, who conducted the residency that created Unseen Stories, and the artists. More information about the exhibit can be found at https://gardearts.org/on-exhibit-at-the-garde/.
The program will then move to the Oasis Room for a 7:00 pm performance of Breaking Glass. The solo play, inspired by the life of Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, is written and performed by Emma Palzere-Rae. Kato McNickle is the Director and Carin Jennie Estey is the Production Stage Manager.
Breaking Glass has been presented at Lyman Allyn Art Museum, Emerson Theater Collaborative and Dimbola Museum & Galleries, the historic home of Julia Margaret Cameron. Dr. Brian Hinton, Chairman of the Julia Margaret Cameron Trust said, “Can I thank you so much for a stunning one woman show at Dimbola yesterday, when you brought Julia Margaret Cameron, Virginia Woolf and others to life.”
Following intermission and refreshments, will be a Fireside Chat with Mona Penn-Jousset and Coco Olakunle of AtelierMOCA and Emma Palzere-Rae, moderated by Artreach Executive Director Becca Atkins.
The event is free and open to the public; reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made at https://gardearts.org/events/women-photography-then-now/. Donations to Artreach will be accepted. More information about Artreach and the event can be found at www.ArtreachHeals.org. Individuals requiring accommodations should contact Carin.ArtreachHeals@gmail.com.
Artreach acknowledges event support from Marriott/Courtyard of Norwich. Artreach, Inc., a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, receives funding from the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS); CT Department of Economic and Community Development/Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; CTHumanities; Bodenwein Public Benevolent Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee; Charter Oak Federal Credit Union Foundation; Chelsea Groton Foundation; Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; Dime Bank Foundation; Favolise Family Fund; R.S. Gernon Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee; George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee; National Council on Problem Gambling; Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee; Problem Gambling Awareness Through the Arts Initiative, a partnership between the Cultural Coalition and DMHAS; and countless individuals.
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. www.ArtreachHeals.org and social media @ArtreachHeals.
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. Learn more about their work at www.ateliermoca.com.
About Be Well Productions
Be Well Productions was founded by Emma Palzere-Rae to produce and tour her solo plays. Currently, Be Well offers these plays as well as Emma’s services as an independent theater artist. Emma is a theater artist with a passion for healing communities and individuals through her work. Laughing. Crying. Learning. Feeling. Theater creates memorable and sometimes life-changing experiences. www.BeWellProductions.com
Questions? Call Artreach at (860) 887-0014.
