Inner Sanctuary

2025 Exhibition by Paula Funk and Madeline Funk-Foster

Inner Sanctuary is a deeply personal exploration of the ways in which neurodivergence, particularly ADHD, shapes our relationship to creativity, focus, and the world around us. As a mother-daughter duo, we have both navigated the challenges and gifts of ADHD throughout our lives, finding solace and grounding in the act of making. For us, the process of creating has always been more than just a means of self-expression—it has been essential to our mental and emotional well-being. Through art, we have found ways to quiet the constant noise, to stabilize ourselves, and to carve out spaces where focus can thrive.

The exhibition features not only immersive experiences blending sound, light, projection, and tactile interaction—but also the inclusion of traditional art forms such as sculpture, painting, drawing, and collage. These mediums offer a grounding contrast to the dynamic, sensory-rich environment, highlighting the balance between focused craft and the freedom of abstract creation. Each piece reflects our individual journeys with ADHD, where the act of making provides both a structured escape and an opportunity to engage deeply with our thoughts and feelings.

At the heart of Inner Sanctuary is the concept of the third space: a place outside of time and expectation where one can replenish, reset, and reflect. By participating in this experience, viewers can engage with the strategies we’ve developed to manage overwhelm, providing them with tools for balance and mindfulness in their own lives. This exhibition is a call to reclaim the quiet strength that comes with embracing our unique cognitive wiring and a celebration of the diverse ways in which we can all create spaces for healing, creativity, and peace.

Showing Feb. 7 to 28, 2025. Open weekdays, 12:00 to 5:00 in S’eliyemetaxwtexw Gallery, room B136, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford.