Army Poster Girl Film Screening at Endicott -- RESCHEDULED

Beverly, MA --Endicott College invites you to attend a free film screening of Poster Girl, the 2011 Academy Award Nominee for Best Documentary Short Subject, on Thursday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m.  This is a re-scheduled event due to weather conditions in October. The subject of the film, Robynn Murray, will be in attendance and give a brief talk after the screening.  This emotionally packed event will be presented in the Rose Performance Hall of the Walter J. Manninen Center for the Arts, Endicott College, 376 Hale Street, Beverly.  This event is free and open to the public. 

Poster Girl is a short documentary film about Ms. Murray, formerly an all American high school cheerleader who joined the U.S. Army in response to September 11. She earned the rank of sergeant during a tour of duty in Iraq. Impressed by Ms. Murray, the Army made her a poster girl for women in combat.  However, since returning from Iraq, she has fought an insidious foe: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  

Ms. Murray will be at this screening and will be giving a brief discussion about herself, the film, and her journey as she uses art as a form of healing.   A small reception will be held in the Grillo Gallery following the screening.  The screening and reception are free and open to the public, made possible with support from the Bruce T. Halle Family Foundation. 

This documentary follows Ms. Murray over two years as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption through art and poetry.  According to film director Sara Nesson, “My goal for making this film was to break through the cultural disconnect between veterans and civilians.  I wanted to bridge that gap by showing the struggle and healing journey of one person.  In this case, I was lucky to find Robynn Murray, whose voice is so powerful; I knew she could be a voice for the thousands of veterans struggling alone with PTSD. 

The School of Visual and Performing Arts at Endicott College presents a diverse range of exhibitions, lectures, workshops and screenings relating to art therapy, in support of its Creative Arts Therapy Program. This four-year, pre-professional degree integrating three areas of study; studio art, psychology, and creative arts therapy courses, is designed to prepare students to use their skill and passion in the arts for the well-being and benefit of others. Dean of the School, Mark Towner, personalizes the importance of creative solutions to life’s challenges, “My teenage years in 1960’s Chicagoland were punctuated by social upheaval, revolutionary ideas, and personal angst. The 1968 Democratic National Convention, the sexual revolution, environmental awareness, and other issues challenged the established mores. At this time when so many of us felt disoriented or confused, art came to the rescue. To this very day art continues to enrich and transform my life, and I do everything I can to help assist and support others who find themselves in creative pursuit, troubling times, or identity development. Art Therapy activities at Endicott are at the core of this mission.” 

The opportunity for the greater North Shore community, along with the Creative Arts Therapy majors, to meet Robynn Murray and have her share her experience is extremely valuable. Ms. Murray’s story needs to be heard to help others, and to continue her personal healing process.  We are honored to be hosting this screening and look forward to welcoming yet another artist-veteran to our campus.  

For more information contact Kathleen Moore at 978-232-2655 or kmoore@endicott.edu.