WOOSTER – Brian Friend returned to the National Alliance in a mentally ill Wayne and Holmes county van with a smile on his face.
With classmates and friends, he toured several downtown stores and businesses that exhibited art. For many, it was the first time they had made something they created available to the public.
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“It feels great. This is the first time I have exhibited something,” my friend said after the walk. “It’s really exciting.”
24 participating NAMI artists, including Friend, are living with mental illness. Last year they created a personalized piece of art at his NAMI’s MOCA House Recovery Program.
Nearly 50 canvases and photographs showcasing their artistic talents are now on display and for sale at 16 downtown stores and businesses during this year’s Artists Among Us.
The exhibition ends on Friday, October 21st.
the artist is among us
The goal of Artists Among us is to raise awareness of mental health recovery, said Jen Grim, NAMI’s promotion director.
Now in its third year, the event was born in partnership with Main Street Worcester during the pandemic.
Each piece costs less than $100, she said, with all proceeds going to the NAMI and MOCA programs.
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“We’re going to keep doing that every fall,” said Grimm.
For Kerri Manley-Still, coordinator of the Main Street Wooster Project, this event is something she always looks forward to during the fall months.
“Jen got in touch with us a few years ago and it was a great opportunity to work with volunteers and nonprofits,” said Manly Still.
She created a map of downtown highlighting the locations of participating companies.
Participating companies are:
- NEST: 132 North Market St.
- Friendtique: 133 West Liberty St.
- Vertical Runner: 148 West Liberty St.
- Artfind Tile: 143 South Market St.
- Meraki Artistry Permanent Cosmetics: 230 South Market St.
- Broken Rocks/Rox Gastropub: 123 East Liberty St.
- JK Gift Shop: 144 East Liberty St.
- Graham & Burns: 142 East Liberty St.
- Undergrounds Cafe & Coffeehouse: 146 East Liberty St.
- Boba Bowl: 127 West Liberty St.
- Wayne County Public Library: 220 West Liberty St.
- Murr Printing: 201 North Buckeye St.
- Embellish Tattoo Company: 156 East Liberty St.
- Omahoma Bob’s BBQ: 128 South Market St.
- A Time to Craft, LLC: 149 North Walnut St.
- Walnut Street Gallery: 148 North Walnut St.
celebrate the artist
Connie Barnard is a watercolor teacher for NAMI’s MOCA House Recovery Program.
She teaches a variety of painting techniques using plastic wrap, salt, and straw to add texture and create a personalized funk style for each painting.
Watching her students display their work is just one of the rewarding aspects of her time at NAMI.
“It’s powerful to put it on display,” Bernard said. “I think it’s great to share with the community.”
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Students often lack confidence in Bernard’s classroom, but she helps them overcome mental blocks with practice, lessons, and meditation.
She might start with a 3″ x 3″ square canvas.
“Not so intimidating,” she said. “Then we start the class with breathing exercises and meditation.”
This makes students less nervous and less anxious about painting.
She then gives her a theme or multiple objects to incorporate into her photos.
“It’s up to them what they do with it,” Barnard said. “Everything they paint is unique.”
For MOCA participant Jennifer Hill, painting classes are therapeutic and relaxing.
“It’s really fun to learn how to do that, and it’s fun to learn how to salt a picture,” Hill said.
About MOCA House Recovery Program
The free MOCA Recovery Program enables participants to better understand, cope with, and recover from mental illness.
This program stands for Motivational, Optimistic, Compassionate and Accepting.
While addressing mental health is MOCA’s primary concern, Grim says the program builds skills, fosters supportive friendships, and helps people work on their recovery.
Art therapy is just one of the tools NAMI staff use to help those affected by mental health.
“In addition to art, participants join support groups, play games, go for walks and fish, learn about nutrition, journaling, and more,” says Grim.
The program is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 4pm and includes several evening events.
For more information about NAMI’s mental health programs for individuals and families, call 330-264-1590, email [email protected], or visit: www.namiwayneholmes.org.
