My name is Eric Roguski. I’m a former elementary teacher of 11 years located in the Catskills. While I’ve always endeavored to put my utmost into teaching and protecting others from bullying and other forms of discrimination, I too have secretly struggled with many mental illnesses derived both neurologically and environmentally. My work focuses on the struggles I’ve endured personally growing up neurodivergent in a time when people did not value difference. Furthermore, my work also reflects my first-hand experiences of seeing how differences are often handled in American society by others.
I genuinely hope my work inspires others to understand that silent mental illness is real. Yet, people like us can still function just as well in society as any other person. (If not better) Furthermore, I also wish to devote my work to LGBTQA+ and other neurodivergent individuals who have to suffer prejudice and unfair bias simply because of societal expectations enforced onto others. We’re all people. We should never forget that.
Hopefully my work can inspire change and remind those who think they’re “normal” to reevaluate their position on those who are different.”
To view more of Eric’s artwork, you can go to his YouTube channel below.
This brief video was first shown publicly at the Mental Health Awareness and Creative Arts Gallery’s 2nd year annual fundraiser. This video is the first installment of what will eventually become a six-part series that will vary in terms of narrative, visuals, voiceover, and background music. Mental health struggles will be a central theme throughout the series. This piece of the series was written by Meagan Meehan with voiceover by Diane Brackett, background music by James King, and visuals created by Brian Belt. This collaboration of minds and talent make this piece truly remarkable as it puts viewers into a different realm of consciousness- As well, the series once complete will be aptly titled “Stream of Consciousness” and will be shown publicly in Hudson, New York this year.
Ori Alon-Ray and Rachel Ray-Alon speak during our fundraiser
My Most Important and Biggest SUCCESS Story of my LIFE:
I Suffered and Struggled for over 40 years with my Mental Health 25 years I Suffered in Silence and then during the next 15 years I worked on my Recovery but still Suffered and could not Get and STAY Mentally Well. And I went into 6 Psychiatric Hospitals, 4 Outpatient Clinics, Missed using Medicine, 22 ECT Treatments, Suicide Thoughts, and Suicide Attempt on Jan 2, 2008 and was still Suffering Unbelievably with my Mental Health which was Major Depression with a little Bipolar! Tried everything but could Not Get and STAY Mentally Well!
And then things got even worse because on Aug 8th, 2014, I will always remember that day is where Lewy Body Dementia and Suicide took Robin Williams Life! I was his biggest Fan and Robin was my Mentor regarding everything about Comedy, Improv, and all his amazing movies but for the next 2 and a half months because of what Robin Williams did I got so so Unbelievably Depressed and had to voluntarily go into my 6th and hopefully last Psychiatric Hospital on Oct 16, 2014.
But this time compared to all the other times I was an Inpatient at a Psychiatric Hospital something happened different where I had an Ah Ha Moment or Divine Intervention or whatever you want to call it that said this time I’m finally now going to Get and STAY Mentally Well! So while I’m in this Psychiatric Hospital for the next 13 days I was able to put together my own Workshop/Presentation called The 3 Amigos of Mental Health where the purpose is to share my own Mental Health Stories with my own Lived experiences in how I Suffered and Suffered in Silence for over 40 years but also tell my Inspirational, Motivational, Humorous, Relatable, and Helpful Mental Health Stories of how I Finally Got and STAYED Mentally Well right after I got discharged from my Psychiatric Hospital!
So, I finally found the right Psychiatrist, Therapist, and Medicine and kept working on my Important Recovery but is was the many types of Wellness Tools from my Wellness Toolbox and especially using HUMOR that got me to the Promised Land to Get and STAY Mentally Well! Like using Meditation, Deep Breathing Exercises, Affirmations, Creed, Prayer, GOD, Bible, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Good Sleep, Walks, A Pet, Mindfulness, and so much more! And I kept adding more and more to my own Workshop/Presentation called The 3 Amigos of Mental Health and started Speaking and Performing all over telling my my Struggles and Inspirational Mental Health stories by being an advocate and a Different type of RELATABLE Resource to Educate, Inspire, Motivate, Use Humor, and Help Everyone with their Important Mental Health and so much more! By getting Rid of this Terrible STIGMA of Mental Illness, Deal with Acceptance and Opening Up about your Mental Health, Addiction, Suicide Thought, or whatever else is going on with you, to use many of my own Wellness Tools, and of course to use HUMOR as one of your Biggest Wellness Tool to Get and STAY Mentally Well! Through The 3 Amigos of Mental Health I show and Tell that you can Get and STAY Mentally Well just like I finally did which is now over 8 years and Counting. And no matter what is going on with you you can have Fun without making Fun of your Mental Health or anything else. And most Important I’m working so hard to get Rid of this Terrible STIGMA of whatever is going on with you that we are All CREATED EQUAL and for the many who are Suffering and Suffering in Silence also Deserve to have a Quality of Life as well!
So, The 3 Amigos of Mental Health is either you are Suffering with your Mental Health, Suffering in Silence, or Not Suffering at all with your Mental Health and my job through Education, Awareness, and Lived Experiences is to Help the ones Suffering and Suffering in Silence and Educate the ones Not Suffering to understand what it feels like and taste like to Suffer so they can be more Helpful and Supportive to their friends and family that do Suffer with their Mental Health and more so that All The 3 Amigos of Mental Health can be Good Friends (AMIGOS)!
I also work for a Psychiatric Hospital I was a patient at for almost 6 years as a Trained and Certified Peer Support Specialist and Care Coordinator by building my own Mental Health Career in helping so many patients of mine!
What I’m doing now since I’m still Mentally Well for over 8 years is Speaking and Performing The 3 Amigos of Mental Health everywhere and getting paid through doing Seminars, Webinars, and Podcasts by telling my stories and making it very Enjoyable, Cool, Humorous, Relatable, and so much FUN to talk about Mental Health. I have done several Mental Health TV Stories and a Great GOALCAST Video where they made me the Star and working hard to get on more major TV Networks to Tell my Inspirational Mental Health Story and trying to finish The 3 Amigos of Mental Health Book and get a Documentary and of course a Movie about my own Mental Health Story so I can become Nationally and Worldly known so I can HELP Billions of people with their own Important Mental Health and so much more by using All of my Amazing PASSION in Giving VALUE to HELP Others!!
So, this is my Most Important SUCCESS Story that has changed my life for over 8 years and I’m still MENTALLY WELL and HELPING So many people with their Important Mental Health and so much more and if I can do it SO CAN YOU!!!!
Educational, Motivational, Inspirational, Entertaining, Humorous, & MEMORABLE Maximum Impact Awareness Speaker Working on Touching and Helping Everyone Get and STAY Mentally Well!!
Our next featured artist is Laurel Clark. She like others, is someone that has experienced trauma related to a family member that was not only mentally ill, but also had a co-occurring substance use disorder. She further explains how artwork was helpful in managing her thoughts/emotions below.
“My parent was an addict, but she also was severely mentally ill, coming from a cycle of severe abuse. The things I experienced will haunt me forever. I use art as an outlet to purge myself of the horrible thoughts, to re-ground with my experiences, and create something tangible out of the intangible turmoil and trauma I sift through within my mind, offering a glimpse of perspective as well as visceral reaction that is far too real for survivors alike. Not only is the goal of my art to showcase the morbidity, callous, and horror of being at mercy of others. But to start a conversation around these difficult topics, and also show that there is a way to convert this negative energy into something net positive for your life and well-being.”
The following is a slideshow and matching gallery of 11 pieces of her artwork along with titles and descriptions.
I’m here to tell you that we’re gearing up for our 2nd year annual fundraiser to be held at LIGHTFORMS again- 743 Columbia St. Hudson, NY Saturday August 26th from 3-9 pm. The event will be relatively casual with a brief speech at 6 pm to thank sponsors and spread the news as to our expanded programming. The event will eventually transform into a fun filled dance party. If for any reason you can’t come to the event in person, please consider forwarding the flyer and accompanying QR code to pass along for those that may want to donate to our cause. Thanks to everyone for their support! Brian Belt
The Mental Health Awareness and Creative Arts Gallery at 717 Columbia Street Hudson, NY will be hosting a reception and display of art/recovery books created by students of the “Create a Book” class. The class began in early June and attracted several artists in recovery from serious mental health issues. The lead teachers are Jesse Sanchez and Brian Karas. Jesse’s background is in graphic art and book cover design and Brian’s experience is with various book binding techniques —Their combined knowledge of mental health issues and creative work helped to establish an open atmosphere wherein students explored and expressed their most personal feelings and experiences within the structure of creating their very own art/recovery book. The art book form allowed for a narrative to develop in a way that might have been missing in pictures alone or in a solely written work form.
Using basic principles of recovery as a theme, artists uncovered deep feelings in real time as their artwork evolved. Speaking on the class, Brian Karas remarked, “It was a profound experience for me as a teacher to witness and I’m grateful to the artists for their courage to openly share that with me.”
The display and reception will be held Saturday July 2nd at the Mental Health Awareness and Creative Arts Gallery located at 717 Columbia Street Hudson, NY from 1- 3 pm.
For information on the artists and associated activities of the Mental Health Awareness and Creative Arts Gallery simply go to their website at https://stigmafree.art/
LIGHTFORMS Art Center and 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration
One of our artists, Jesse Sanchez, speaks on his recovery from schizoaffective diagnosis and how art and peer teaching of his class “Peers, Tears and Pages” to help others that may be suffering from serious mental health problems through art and recovery principles for the Sisco Crisis Help Radio Show at
Read below for a class description and registration information:
“Recovery does not happen in a straight line. I have experienced multiple episodes, sometimes decades apart in my life. Recording experiences in a book making class such as this, might serve as a reminder that seasons do change, and in nature, like life with mental illness, storms don’t last forever. A book can be read and reread and written again. Like any good story, the final chapter can be a happy ending, if we choose to make it so.” -Jesse Sanchez (www.jsanchezart.com)
In this class we will allow the participant to put in book form some moment or moments in their lives when they realized transformation was necessary for their recovery. Using various forms of artistic expression such as drawing, painting, photography, collage, and calligraphy, students will create and assemble their work into a book. Professional book artist, Brian Karas,
will show examples of ways to integrate the visual art with the written text and will demonstrate three simple ways to make a book; folded, accordion and sewn. All art supplies will be provided but artists are welcome to bring their own.
For registration information, click on the weblinks below….
Hi, I’m Bennett Karas. I work in metal to create chainmaille, jewelry, sculpture and other unique handmade items, inspired and informed by medieval arms and armor. My chainmaille is typically made of stainless steel, titanium or bronze, and in other alloys on request. I use a variety of weaves including Byzantine, European and Japanese variants.
My sculptures are constructed of wrought iron and steel, using both self-made and found objects. The metal is welded, tapered, planished, riveted and tempered to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
Creativity has been crucial to my well-being. When I’m manic I’m able to channel my racing thoughts and flight of ideas into my art and turn a negative into a positive. I also suffer from crippling depression at times which makes it impossible to do much of anything, but I’m proud of the work that I’ve been able to create despite my challenges.
My process begins with my camera, out in nature. When photographing I look for interesting shapes and strong images
This search is a distraction from my suffering and brings me peace. I then alter my images, using Photoshop. I intensify the colors and try to make the finished work even more profound. It makes me feel powerful to be able to alter the images to my own vision.
My name is Kristen Oles and have dealt with the struggles of dealing with Mental Health (Bipolar, anxiety) for over 27 years. One thing that has been extremely therapeutic from the beginning is making art. It’s very easy to start things, but sometimes it’s extremely difficult to finish and feel self-satisfied. There has been many times in my life, I have never been able to finish things and I’m very grateful the past few years to be starting and finishing things.
I have suffered from both serious medical and mental health issues since 1995, but I continue with my recovery efforts one day at a time. My recovery is most special to me because I have become closer to my children, and I am close to my 4-year-old granddaughter. As well, I am a artist that teaches collage making techniques to others in the mental health programs in Columbia County and at the public Mental Health Awareness & Creative Arts Gallery.
Art has played a very important part in my recovery journey with my mental state, which is what I’d really like to share. Mental health awareness is a topic that is talked about more now than ever before. I like to think of myself as a mental health advocate, because I’ve lived with my mental health issues most of my adult life. I feel like more needs to be done in access to treatment and help for those struggling with serious mental illnesses, I know from experience how some with mental health issues may feel reluctant to seek out help because of the fear and stigma associated with mental illness, but I also know how difficult it can be to find help sometimes when one may need help. I guess in short, what I am trying to say is that I would like to see a little less talk and more mental health reform before we become polarized about mental health problems.
I have been doing some soul searching today and thinking about some of my paintings and what they mean to me. Many of them are creations from within expressing my love for beauty, and others reveal the darker side of life I have struggled with for years, the painting titled utter madness is the one that I would like talk about. I just smeared the paint on the canvas trying to find some beauty and you can see the end result, so I originally titled it mania but over time I realized I am not sure if I ever experienced mania I don’t even know what mania looks like. I have experienced euphoria a couple of times though, so then I decided to call the painting escape because I seen a little black demand that appeared to be running away at the top of the painting. I signed and dated it each time I changed the title, but I didn’t like that title over time because it made me feel that I was trying to escape from reality, so I finally titled it utter madness and then put my thumb print on the back.
NEWS
Artist’s style is ever-evolving
Jennifer L. Manfrin
Correspondent
COSHOCTON – If you’d like to experience abstract paintings composed with the artist’s unique expression of vivid colors and intricate lines, you don’t have to go to a gallery in a big city. Throughout the month of April, the artwork of area artist Jim Huff will be on display at the West Lafayette Branch Library.
Huff’s paintings are in oil on canva and, though there is a landscape in the exhibit that includes 10 pieces, most are abstracts with unique plays on color and line.
Huff, who was born and raised in Coshocton County, was first inspired to paint when he was in elementary school in
Bakersville. He picked up painting again later in life, and enjoys it as a source of relaxation. It’s an effect that makes him feel as if “the cares of life roll away,” and the act of creating his artwork has a “therapeutic effect and encourages a feeling of peace of mind.”
In addition to teaching himself various techniques, Huff also honed his talent with the help of art instructor Twila Christner at the Tuscarawas Center for the Arts. He took classes on the basics of composition and painting in oils. He said his artistic style is ever-evolving.
Huff said he is also inspired by the many talented artists in the area, and is happy to have his art on exhibit at the West Lafayette Branch Library.
“I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to display my art along with the other talented artists in this series,” Huff said.
Branch manager Andrea Schweitzer Smith agreed.
“The branch library is fortunate to coordinate with talented, local artists to provide rotating, monthly exhibits of their original works,” said Smith, who has been coordinating the art exhibits at the library for about 10 years. “Art media are varied from watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastels, ink, pencil, wood and photography.”
And just as Huff’s artistic endeavors are therapeutic for him, Smith said art has a similar effect on the visitors.
“Exhibiting artwork at the West Lafayette Branch Library is a creative way for the library to contribute to its vision of providing lifelong learning opportunities for the community. Viewing art can also positively impact your health and well-being in boo
sting critical thinking skills and creativity, while lowering stress and anxiety,” she said.
ARTS
Local artists spotlighted at Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts
Staff Writer
The Times-Reporter
A gallery reception for the 14th annual Mid Summer’s Night Art Affair will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts, 461 Robinson Drive, SE. The show will highlight recent works in a variety of media and styles created by invited artists with a Tuscarawas County connection. Doug Huston will provide piano music for the evening and refreshments will be served.
Artists participating in this year’s event are:
Jeff Beitzel, Jane Brown, Susan Cramer Stein, Anthony Contini, Sherry Crilow, Sarah Dugger, Aubrey Gealsha, Mallory Gerstacker, Charles Graham, Betty Gribble, Hillary Hendricks, Jackie Holan, Kim Hohlmayer, Kiyoe Howald, James Oliver Huff, Catherine Kendrick, Bill Koch, Jordan Lewis, Skip Limbach, Nancy McDonald, Jasmine Mills, Vivian Mosley, Barbara Palmer, Kathleen Riley, Bill Shryock, Peggy Sibila, Stephanie Speedy, Joyce Stahl, Ginny Stocker, Jon Stucky, Yan Sun, Kyle Valentini, Don Weisgarber and Hong Yin.
The Mental Health Awareness and Creative Arts gallery’s first gallery space has a variety of artwork on display by those people in recovery from serious mental health issues and serves as recovery and support resource center for the public. This unique gallery space blends artistic work with mental health awareness to eliminate community bias and stigma related to serious mental health diagnoses. As many people know, stigma related to serious mental health diagnoses is a major barrier in seeking recovery-based solutions to mental health problems. Our artists not only prove they are people worthy of positive attention, but they also show others that recovery is achievable and that there is no shame in having a serious mental health diagnosis. At the Mental Health Awareness and Creative Arts Gallery, we transform the hearts and minds of all towards a more Loving Supportive environment as it relates to those diagnosed with serious mental health disorders.
*The Mental Health Awareness & Creative Arts Gallery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity
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For info, artwork submissions, or a space to share your mental health experience click on the
Have you ever wanted to unleash your creativity and express yourself in a fun and relaxing way? If so, you might want to join our collage making class! Collage making is a great activity for mental health and fun socializing. Here are some of the benefits of collage making:
– Collage making can help you reduce stress and anxiety. By focusing on the colors, shapes, and textures of the materials, you can distract yourself from negative thoughts and emotions. You can also use collage making as a form of therapy, by creating images that reflect your feelings and experiences.
– Collage making can boost your self-esteem and confidence. By creating something unique and beautiful, you can feel proud of your achievements and skills. You can also display your collages in your home or office, or share them with others online or in person, to receive positive feedback and appreciation.
– Collage making can enhance your creativity and imagination. By experimenting with different materials, techniques, and themes, you can discover new ways of expressing yourself and communicating your ideas. You can also learn from other collage makers, by observing their styles and methods, or collaborating with them on joint projects.
– Collage making can foster fun socializing and friendship. By joining our collage making class, you can meet new people who share your interests and passions. You can also bond with them over the process of collage making, by exchanging tips, compliments, and stories. You can also participate in events and exhibitions, where you can showcase your collages and network with other artists.
As you can see, collage making is a wonderful hobby that can enrich your life in many ways. So, what are you waiting for? Join our collage making class Fridays and enjoy the benefits of this amazing art form!
The Mental Health Awareness and Creative Arts gallery’s first gallery space has a variety of artwork on display by those people in recovery from serious mental health issues and serves as recovery and support resource center for the public. This unique gallery space blends artistic work with mental health awareness to eliminate community bias and stigma related to serious mental health diagnoses. As many people know, stigma related to serious mental health diagnoses is a major barrier in seeking recovery-based solutions to mental health problems. Our artists not only prove they are people worthy of positive attention, but they also show others that recovery is achievable and that there is no shame in having a serious mental health diagnosis. At the Mental Health Awareness and Creative Arts Gallery, we transform the hearts and minds of all towards a more Loving Supportive environment as it relates to those diagnosed with serious mental health disorders.
*The Mental Health Awareness & Creative Arts Gallery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity
