New Art Exhibit Challenges Stigma of Mental Illness

Americanization-Mental-Illness” by @Peta_de_Aztlan licensed under CC BY 2.0

Source: Herald Tribune

SARASOTA, FL – “FACEing Mental Illness: The Art of Acceptance” is a new project that was conceived by Carrie Seidman, whose aim is to expose and challenge the stigma surrounding mental illnesses.

The project allows people to contribute their art as a way of educating others and eliminating discrimination against individuals with mental health conditions.

One artist named Robin Snuttjer was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was twenty-nine years old. Her art piece, “Sixteen Years of Struggle”, allowed her to reflect on her own experiences with mental illness.

A volunteer named Robert McNutt, whose son has paranoid schizophrenia, explained that helping with the project was a positive experience that allowed him to have conversations with others about mental illnesses. This is just one of the many positive impacts the exhibit has had on Sarasota’s community.

The art exhibit encouraged the community to have an open dialogue about mental health, and gave people the opportunity to connect with others who share the same experiences. The project might serve as an example for artists who work to advance conversations around social justice, inclusiveness and acceptance.

Read full story at: Herald Tribune

Arts Media & Culture, News
Arts, Media & Culture, News