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Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: Art That "Looks Beyond" To Create A Dialogue About Mental Illness

Jennifer Leigh

Jennifer Leigh says she uses art as therapy. Grace Barrett says drawing helps get her feelings out and relax the symptoms of depression. Both of them will have art on display at Friday’s Art Hop in downtown Kalamazoo.

The exhibit SEE ME: Looking Beyond Stigmawill be on the first floor of the Epic Center Friday from 5:00 until 8:00p.m. The exhibit is being presented by the #LookBeyond campaign. It was launched last year to reduce the stigma of mental illness, substance abuse and developmental disabilities.

Leigh says her favorite work is water color, but for this exhibit she did an anti-stigma poster series. Barrett says she draws what she is feeling at the moment. She wants people to see how she is feeling, and how other people suffering from depression might be feeling.

Credit Grace Barrett
Drawing by Grace Barrett on display at Friday's Art Hop in Kalamazoo

While having art on display is “nerve wracking” according to Barrett. She says it’s also exciting. She says art allows the viewer to see a little bit into the artist’s mind. Leigh says while art can help people understand more about mental health. She says for people suffering from mental illness, it can help people feel like they are not alone.

Leigh says more open dialogue is needed about mental health. Leigh says issues like sexual abuse have been taboo, but she says more people are talking now, and know about options for things like therapy.

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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