Underwater photographs of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway will be on display at Valley Library in Lakeland through the end of June. 

“Under the Surface” is a collection of underwater photos from Wisconsin’s most cherished habitats, from the St. Croix River to Lake Superior, and bring to light many important examples of local aquatic life. The photographs in “Under the Surface” were taken by participants in a comprehensive mental health treatment program for youth at Northwest Passage in Webster, Wisc.

The science and art, the exploration and play, the voyages and the photographs, are a testament of hope and renewal for the photographers. With “Under the Surface,” the program participants and staff of Northwest Passage hope to inspire a broader recognition of the irreducible connections between ecosystem and mental health.

“I’m so proud that we were able to bring ’Under the Surface’ to the Valley Library,” said librarian Nate Deprey. “It is a living, breathing example of the healing powers of art and nature as well as the beauty of the St. Croix River. I would encourage anyone in the area to take in this exhibit and read the accompanying artists statements from the photographers. Their stories are every bit as stirring as the images you will see on our walls.”

Northwest Passage is a residential treatment and assessment program for children learning to navigate their lives while coping with the struggles of mental illness. From its genesis in 1978, Northwest Passage programming has focused on blending traditional mental health treatment with arts and nature based therapy. For more information on Northwest Passage, visit http://nwpltd.org.