Mixed Media -- Hearts and minds: Mental Illness Week

Oct. 10--According to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in four adults is affected by some form of mental illness in a given year. But many, about one in 17, suffer from serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, panic disorder, and major depression -- disorders that can be debilitating and lifelong, disrupting interpersonal relationships, moods, and feelings, as well as day-to-day functioning. Despite these staggering numbers, there are still stigmas attached to mental illnesses. And because they can be masked or otherwise not immediately apparent, they are often not seen as serious conditions by those who don't understand the intensity of their effects. Many mental illnesses can be treated, but doing so can be costly. During Mental Illness Week (Oct. 5-11), James Kelly Contemporary (1611 Paseo de Peralta, 505-989-1601) hosts Inside Out, a one-day exhibition of artwork made at various local and regional centers treating and supporting the mentally ill: Casa Milagro, a therapeutic residential program for the formerly homeless; the Lifelink Santa Fe Clubhouse, a rehabilitation drop-in center; ArtStreet, an Albuquerque art-studio program for the homeless, poverty-stricken, and mentally ill; and Casa Cerrillos, a supported-living program for people with disabilities. The event also features photographs from The Untold Mind, a Casa Milagro project for which five residents contributed personally meaningful images they created.

Inside Out opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, and includes an artist reception at 4 p.m. A preview fund-raiser, catered by Joseph's Culinary Pub, takes place at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10. Tickets for the preview are $50 and can be purchased through the event's website (www.insideoutsantafe.blogspot.com). All proceeds from sales of works go directly to the artists, with additional proceeds going to support nonprofits in Santa Fe that treat mental illnesses as well as Southwestern College's Art Therapy and Counseling program.

Inside Out includes James Koskinas' painting Turner, which is featured in his film, The Twilight Angel, a story about an artist working on a series of a dozen paintings of angels -- the culmination of his life's work that is under threat of remaining uncompleted as the artist slips into a depression. The Twilight Angel has its world premiere in Santa Fe at the Jean Cocteau Cinema on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 3 p.m.

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