Michael Janis, Echoes. (glass). Photo courtesy of the Ohio Craft Museum
The Ohio Craft Museum is tackling the stigma of mental illness this weekend with the debut of their latest exhibition, Mindful: Exploring Mental Health Through Art.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, about one in five adults in America experience mental illness. That’s 43.8 million adults in a given year. Moreover, nearly 60 percent of adults with mental illness didn’t receive mental health services in the previous year.
Ian Thomas, Compensation. 18" x 8" diameter. Photo by artist.
The exhibition features 14 artists that aim to break down the social barriers that bar open conversations about mental health. In addition to being an exhibition of fine art, Mindful is also a platform for educational seminars and workshops that explore the theme of mental health.
The exhibition opens with a reception on Sunday, July 10 from 1 to 4 in the afternoon. At 2:30 p.m., representatives from organizations such as National Alliance on Mental Illness, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and others will discuss their services.
At 3 p.m., Joan Zeller, an art therapist based in Worthington, will discuss her work. She has a wide range of experience in places such as Huckleberry House, Harding Hospital and more; currently, she runs a private practice at Zeller & Associates.
Throughout the rest of the exhibit, there are several interactive opportunities for patrons to engage with the issue of mental health.
On July 26 the museum will host workshop “The Art of Mindful Journaling with Pat Schmitt.” On August 10 Columbus artist Queen Brooks will lead a guided practice of mindful doodling.
Pre-registration for these events is required. For more information or to register call 614-486-4402.
Hailey Stangebye is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
