Art is all around you — from
the design of the letters that make up this
sentence to the pictures on the wall or the flowers outside your
window. Art has a powerful presence in all our lives, and yet we
often overlook it in the bustle of everyday life — and the
human creativity that goes into making it possible.
People Incorporated’s
Art-ability art show gives you a chance to be transported to another
place — one where art and creativity
take center stage. It’s also a chance to step out of our usual
whirl and celebrate the talents of local artists — artists
for whom art is not only an expression of themselves, but also a
lifeline in coping with mental illness.
Stephanie’s Story
Stephanie
Jones is making a name for herself in this city of artists; her latest
achievement is in having one of her paintings selected to advertise
the 2007 Artability show. Her piece, “Minneapolis — City
of Lakes,” incorporates stylized representations of the Spoonbridge
and Cherry sculpture and the Minneapolis rose garden. It’s
about friendship, too, symbolized in the cup raised high by two
friends sitting on a dock on a starry summer night.
Jones is a self-taught
artist who likes a variety of media — from
painting and sculpture to stained glass, puppetry, bookbinding and
jewelry. Working with a mentor this year, however, transformed her
painting and she’s since completed about 30 paintings in the
style of her winning piece. She sells paintings and greeting cards
in local galleries and shops.
As a person with bipolar
depression, art plays a central role in Jones’ life. “Art
saves my life — I feel better and feel productive when I do
it, “ she
says. “I really rely on it when my depression is bad, or if
I’m
manic it takes away my nervous energy. I also feel less alone, because
I know I’m communicating something to others, even if I’m
not there when they see it. I think it helps other people to know
that they’re not alone, too.”
This year will be her
second year exhibiting at Artability. “I’m
so impressed with how many people come to the show, and how much
art there is. I really like that you can see several pieces by
the same artist. There are also so many different styles — it’s
fun and exciting to see it all because it keeps my mind open to
new ideas.” Jones
is hoping to develop her art further, perhaps writing and illustrating
children’s books.
Gail’s Story
Gail Harbeck
is also an Artability veteran, having exhibited her drawings, paintings,
and poetry there for the past five years — and she
won first prize in creative writing in 2004. “I’ve
always been a writer, but I jumped into the visual arts a few years
ago,” she
notes. “This summer I’ve been experimenting with acrylics — my
focus has been the completion of several portraits, each painted
using a different artistic style. I need to mix things up or I
get bored!”
Harbeck suffers from major
depression, and her art helps keep her grounded and connected with
the world. “Art helps me focus my
mind — I have trouble with intrusive thoughts, so art helps
me concentrate.” Harbeck has used People Incorporated’s
Nancy Page Crisis Residence. “Everyone is so respectful and
the staff are very helpful, and it’s nice to be amongst peers.
It’s
great to be able to avoid being admitted to the hospital, where it’s
so impersonal and clinical. I find it hard to feel better in a place
like that. It’s nice to know Nancy Page [Crisis Residence]
is there if I need it.”
Like many other artists
who got their start at Artability, Harbeck’s
work can be seen in other venues, too — she’s got pieces
in the permanent collections at Westminster Presbyterian Church and
at the Hennepin County Medical Center. “I’d like to do
a cohesive body of work so I could apply for some grants. I’d
eventually like to have a small gift shop and art gallery.” She’s
looking forward to Artability. “It’s great to see old
friends there and meet new ones, too. It’s a relaxed atmosphere,
but the art is great—everyone should come see just how many
talented artists are here in the Twin Cities.”
Elias’ Story
Elias Luke
LaVelle is an Artability veteran, having won three major prizes in
the past two years — including first prize in sculpture,
first prize in poetry, and the Alex Galle Artability Award. He’s
been sculpting, drawing and painting since he was a kid, but art
took on a special significance for him after he was diagnosed with
paranoid schizophrenia.
“Art for me is very
therapeutic — it’s a way to express
my ideals, hopes, loves, and hates,” he notes. “It’s
also a way for me to experience what it’s like to be healthy,
by helping me focus my energy and attention.” LaVelle lives
at People Incorporated’s Ruth House, a typical ranch-style
home in East St. Paul that he shares with four other men. He’s
also a member of People Incorporated’s APOLLO Resource Center,
and is serving as a volunteer on the Artability Committee this year.
Creative writing is also
a significant outlet for LaVelle’s
creativity. “I love poetry — it’s who I am. It’s
closer to my heart than sculpting even. I wish we could speak in
poetic language all the time. I love the fact that poetry is language
made beautiful.” LaVelle is starting classes at Metro State
University this summer, finishing up some general credits before
beginning coursework for a degree in theater. “I like how [theater]
combines writing, visual arts, and music, and my goal is to have
a positive influence on society through theater. I’ll still
have time for Artability, though!” ![]()
Rachel Koep is a Development
Associate and Executive Assistant for People Incorporated
Artability
at APOLLO
October 4th - 6th
People Incorporated,
a nonprofit which promotes and secures independence for
people with mental illness and other brain disorders, will
hold its 13th annual Artability at APOLLO art exhibit on
October 4th - 6th at Redeemer Arms - 313 Dale Street North in
Saint Paul. The event features the works of over 100 local
artists exhibiting 400+ pieces of visual art and literature.
Details: October 4th from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. (with an opening
reception starting at 7:00), October 5th from 10:00 a.m.
to 8:30 p.m. and October 6th from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Selected
art pieces will be for sale, so arrive early for the best selection.
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How you can support Artability
and People Incorporated!
Giving a gift to People Incorporated
will help us serve the thousands of people all over the Twin Cities
who live with severe and persistent mental illness.
FFI: www.PeopleIncorporated.org or
contact Barbara Nichols, Resource Development Director, at 651-288-3504
or Barbara.Nichols@PeopleIncorporated.org
