As with many other art shows, Art Against Stigma brings together a variety of art pieces from artists looking to gain exposure and sell their work. But unlike most shows, this one is also about fighting public misunderstanding of mental illness.
The event is put on by the Kettle Friendship Society, a non-profit agency that provides support and services to those with mental illness, as part of the Vancouver Eastside Culture Crawl Nov. 17 to 19. The nearly 300 artists featured in the show share a passion for art, but also know what its like living with a mental illness while trying to establish a career.
The show works with those artists to ensure they have a judgment-free space to sell their art, and does not charge a fee costs being a huge barrier for those with mental illnesses, according to event organizer Jackie Novik.
Most of our clients are on disability pension, said Novik. The poverty issue is huge. It costs money to do art.
She explained that people are often diagnosed with mental illnesses in their early 20s, disrupting and sometimes halting post-secondary education. Novik hopes that the show can at least help overcome financial barriers to starting a career. As such, all proceeds from art work sold at the show go to the artist, and framing is provided for most paintings.
For one artist in the show, Leef Evans, breaking down those barriers has been crucial and hugely beneficial.
Its like a job, said Evans. I work at least 40 hours a week. I go into the studio and paint. I cant say Ive ever felt better. Its been the best therapy for my problems.
Evans started painting with dedication about eight years ago and says it helped him settle after being on the street. He sometimes paints in a figurative style, sometimes in an abstract style, but always with mixed media.
I use a lot of tape in my paintings. I toss sand in there as well, he said. Often paintings get painted over. Sometimes it ends up being like half an inch thick.
Evans said hes successfully sold art work at each show hes participated in over the last nine years Art Against Stigma has run, but he doesnt let that dictate the artistic content.
Novik explained that just as theyve done each year, the artwork theyll offer this year ranges from pieces from more seasoned artists such as Evans to those by beginners.
Prices range from $2 to $500 per piece.
Twitter: @mickicowan
