The Mental Health Awareness and Creative Arts Gallery presents a free, innovative arts program. These weekly art/recovery classes are based on the eight dimensions of wellness. Art assignments are given which lead the student into a deeper connection with wellness and recovery. The work done in class is published in a bimonthly newsletter. Classes begin Thurs., Nov. 16, 2023, from 3:00pm to 4:00pm at the gallery and continue with an open enrollment each week. Anyone may attend. 717 Columbia Street, Hudson, NY 12534. All art supplies and coffee are free.
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.
I begin to speak the truth on my mental reality state
Upon returning to the states after experiencing my first major psychotic break, I was pressured by both my parents to speak with a psychiatric counselor. I did so but only Very reluctantly- At the time, I believe I was being fed a strong daily cocktail of antipsychotic medication that slowed my thought process but did not eliminate the dark thoughts and memories that were now an embedded feature of my new “reality”. I should emphasize that my mental state upon leaving Thailand was very broken. Although, I did not speak on my thoughts- the truth is I only agreed to go back with my dad because I thought he was a secret government agent that would explain this altered reality on the plane ride back. If I didn’t hold this belief at the time, I would have surely fled back into the jungles of Thailand to be missing forever… It was only after weeks of searching with help of a Thailand private investigation company did my family even learn where I was physically and then were able to alert my dad to fly to Thailand and connect with me. Interestingly, I was able to communicate with the Thai Private investigation team that tracked me down years later while at an advanced recovery stage and they wrote a brief blog on their website as to my plight listed under case studies.
But getting back to the issue of my reluctance to share my personal thoughts with a counselor after being fetched from Thailand and moved to upstate New York is that I was terrified I would be placed in a psychiatric hospital indefinitely if I spoke my truth. So, I heeded my parents’ advice and went to counseling sessions but said nothing of my present mental state. I would speak on older memories that were difficult- the loss of a friend to a heroin overdose, my failed marriage, and other topics that I was ok sharing knowing they wouldn’t be thought of as Too strange, but I Never spoke on my changed reality state and the thoughts associated with this mammoth shift in my reality state.
Since I fully believed I would be locked up forever in a psychiatric hospital if I disclosed my thoughts, I secretly began the process of trying to figure out how to get out of my current situation at that time which was living with my mother and doing odd end jobs to make a few bucks here and there. It was then I came across an ad on the internet looking for English teacher to teach in China- no need to speak Chinese. I pulled together my school credentials and applied online upon which I was accepted- but I had no money to pay for a flight. I relayed the information to the Chinese teaching group that hired me, and they offered me a free flight I only had to show up at JFK airport on the right day time and I would be on my way to China to teach English. Of course, once I told the news to my mother, she was alarmed but she was powerless. I did what I did and off I went to China to teach English in an industrial town outside of Shanghai without knowing a bit about China- language, culture, nothing….
Of course, my first instinct once I got the green light and free flight to China was to quit all my meds and go it on my own and my preferred method to handle my disturbed thought process then was to drink it away. And drink I did – almost a full liter of Scotch from the duty-free zone while I was on the long plane ride to China that almost led the flight crew to turn the plane back to the states due to a passenger (myself) being severely intoxicated- Somehow, I did sober up enough before landing and met up with the Chinese man who recruited me- his first remark was he could smell alcohol but we continued to drive on to a sprawling Chinese city where I was to begin my teaching career. I was given keys to an apartment and instructions to meet up at a Chinese elementary school to begin teaching my classes. To say I was clueless now living in a foreign country coupled with a warped personal sense of reality is a huge understatement, but I muddled through the next few months making up classes ad lib and drinking away my nights until the English recruiter finally had enough of me and said leave. I was given a free flight back to the states and soon found myself in jail for public drunkenness and in desperate need of help. I called my mom and she helped me back to live with her under the condition I return to counseling. I did. As well, I began the process of communicating my real thought process to my counselor at the time. This gradual confession led to my current clinical diagnoses of schizophrenia, substance use disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder. I wasn’t committed to a long-term psychiatric facility after these findings, so I was happy about that, but it was only the first step in my recovery. A recovery that would begin with a series of major setbacks.
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.
The Connection between Mental Illness and Creativity
Richard Fuertes with “Colors”
Manhattan Gallery- Our artist’s work in video/book rendition
Funny mental health book jackets by Jesse Sanchez
Connecting Ground interview
Michael Weitzman with “The Three Amigos”
Wake up call with Ed and Paul
Following the Yellow Brick Road: The Steps and Obstacles to achieving REAL Recovery from serious mental health diagnoses
Set to the backdrop theme of the Wizard of Oz, Danielle Reiff, speaks on her recovery from bipolar disorder. This video was originally presented for the public at the Hudson Opera house for a NAMI educational event in the year 2015.
New Age Abstractions
Artwork by Sean Springer
Highlights from our One-Year Anniversary
Michael Weitzman’s on You-Tube
Dear Colleagues, Friends, and Family,
Below is my Latest Workshop/Presentation Seminar called: THE 3 AMIGOS OF MENTAL HEALTH for
the Girl Scouts, Juniors, and Brownies on March 6th 2022 where I Educate, Motivate, Inspire, Use Humor,
Help, and be a RELATABLE Resource by using All of my PASSION in Speaking and Performing about
Mental Health and so much more and by being very Interactive, Engaging, and talking about tough and
sensitive Words and Subjects in a very Enjoyable and FUN way to Learn! Please Enjoy!
Brian Belt Recovery Story
You Tube Clips compliments of Adam Hoyt
Local Shots From Around the World Part 1
Local Shots From Around the World Part 2
Hope Rocks Live Performance 2017
Voices of Recovery 2014
Voices of Recovery 2017
Michael Weitzman
Loki Anthony: Behind the Design Episode 1
Create a Book class reception
Jesse Sanchez
Esteban Ganem’s recital in support of our gallery
Thanks to Esteban Ganem, a percussionist attending Bard Conservatory of Music, I was able to speak on the Mental Health Awareness Gallery shortly before his solo rendition of Christopher Cerrone’s musical score- “Memory Palace”. Esteban performed his recital in support of our gallery and its vision. My speech on recovery and the formation of our gallery begins at time segment 1 hour 19 minutes on the You-Tube clip followed by his solo rendition of “Memory Palace”. So please listen to the full recital and hear my speech related to our gallery and our team of artists in recovery from serious mental health conditions. Esteban is a gifted percussionist who has a bright future ahead of him in the music industry. So please turn the volume up to listen and enjoy this captivating musical experience.
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 (aka) ARTLife717 space has a variety of artwork on display by those people in recovery from serious mental health conditions 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
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 (aka) ARTLife717 space has a variety of artwork on display by those people in recovery from serious mental health conditions 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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