“In the Picture” is a juried exhibition featuring works by artists who have experienced mental health or substance use issues.
It takes place at the White Water Gallery (122 Main St E) from Tuesday April 25th through Saturday May 6th as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
The exhibition space will also be used to host a storytelling event called “Truth be Told: There’s Hope” on Thursday May 4th (7-9:30pm).
It will feature stories by Dennis Chippa, Richard Fortin, and Amanda Weckwerth, among others.
"It's free, but donations are welcome, to enable Art Fix to provide studio space and arts training opportunities to more artists with extraordinary minds in our region," says a news release.
Some of the pieces in this exhibition reflect artists’ struggles in working through difficult experiences, and strength in surviving them. According to expressive arts facilitator, Emily Couchie, “Art can inspire both the creator and the witness; art that is seen and shared promotes connection and empathy between people.”
Many of the artworks convey a calm sensibility. As explained by participating artist, Amanda Weckwerth, "When you are creating art you not thinking about your ailments mental health or addictions- it takes you to a peaceful place."
A jury of professional artists selected the works in this exhibition from over 50 submissions from the Nipissing and surrounding regions. In addition to the prizes awarded by the jury ($500 for 1st, $300 for 2nd, and $200 for 3rd), visitors will have an opportunity to vote for the audience favourite ($100).
Prizes will be awarded at the storytelling event on May 4th.
Art Fix Nipissing is a volunteer-run art for social change collective run by and for persons with mental health and substance use issues. Art Fix was founded in 2015 to challenge stigma and build community by fostering and showcasing talent.
Co-founder Amanda Weckwerth says, “The art of creating strips me of my chemical dependency and anxiety. I assume the role of an artist and lose the label of mentally ill or addict.”
In January 2017, Art Fix began hosting an Open Studio on Mondays from 11-2 that is open to all aspiring, emerging, and established artists with gifts.
For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/ArtFixNipissing/ or call (705) 476-2444.
