Art exhibit to help celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month

April 24-- Apr. 24--Nearly a dozen artists who have been impacted by mental health are exhibiting their creations during the first Frame of Mind.

The art exhibit will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.May 4 and 5 at 38 W. Seminary St. The opening gala will be from 5 to 8:30 p.m.May 3. For ticket information, call Nora Knople at 419-577-8484 or go to havenhypnosisandwellness.com/events.

"All the proceeds are going to NAMI," said Knople, owner of Haven Hypnosis & Wellness LLC, referring to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The idea for Frame of Mind came from Knople's daughter, Haylie Beatty, 27, who approached her mother about doing something in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

"We have a history of mental illness in our family. Erasing the stigma of mental health is a driving force (for the exhibit)," Knople said.

Frame of Mind is a celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month. Artists' Open Studio Inc. and Haven Hypnosis & Wellness are co-sponsoring the art exhibit.

Jackie Hug, managing director of Artists' Open Studio, said the non-profit organization creates "studio opportunities for adults with disabilities." It was created in 2004.

Hug, the event organizer of Frame of Mind, said she sees the exhibit as "a great platform for raising awareness" about mental health in the community.

People from as far away as Puerto Rico and Texas submitted art. However, Knople said it was decided to focus on local residents, most of whom create their art as a hobby.

The mediums in the show include wood carvings, paintings, 3-D work, watercolor and mixed media.

"We actually had someone do a painting on a guitar," said Knople, noting one artist felt so "empowered by the call to this event" that he decided to submit art never seen by the public. "It was really powerful to see him release it."

Many of the artists need art "for their own self-care," Hug added.

"It looks different from person to person. I think personally that art is a way to address your emotions, your thoughts and what's going through your mind. ... It definitely can be a tool for some individuals," she said.

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