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Art Showcases Creativity of People with Mental Illness

Times-News (Twin Falls, ID) - 10/31/2014

Oct. 31--TWIN FALLS -- For years, Bill Patterson didn't have a voice.

His low self-esteem made him hide from others, he said. His mental illness caused him to become an addict.

Then Patterson got professional help and he discovered that he did have thoughts and experience he wanted and needed to share with others. He started writing poetry four years ago. Most of it is about mental illness and addiction, he said.

Patterson, who lives in Twin Falls, will share his poetry at the third annual "Our Talents, Our Strengths: An Art of Recovery Showcase" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, at the Magic Valley Arts Council. The open house is organized by Region V Behavioral Health. The public is invited to this free event. Lunch will be provided.

"Our Talents, Our Strengths" will be on display at the Magic Valley Arts Council from Monday to Nov. 7.

At past shows, there have been many forms of art, including photography, paintings, drawings, poetry, crocheted/knitted items, pottery and musical performances. The Speedy Foundation, a Boise-based nonprofit dedicated to understanding and educating about mental illness, will be also be at the event, along with other providers.

Boise author Liza Long will be a guest speaker at the open house. Long is the author of "The Price of Silence: A Mom's Perspective on Mental Illness." She is the mother of a child with bipolar disorder.

Eric Call, clinical supervisor of Region V Behavioral Health and the showcase's committee chairman, said the event is intended to show the community their clients have strengths and talents even though they battle mental illnesses.

"It's an opportunity to decrease stigma and recognize them for their strengths and good things they do," Call said. "A lot of them do contribute and do very well."

Call said anyone who has any type of mental illness diagnosis such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or obsessive-compulsive disorder could participate in the art show. Last year, 25 local artists participated and Call expected more for Thursday's event.

This will be the first time Mike Rodman, of Twin Falls, will participate. Rodman makes jewelry, such as pendants and rings.

"It showcases that art is a way to overcome a lot of disabilities, physically as well as mentally. Some of the most of creative people suffer from mental health issues," Rodman said.

Patterson participated last year and decided to take part again because it's an opportunity for him to tell his story.

"I'm an addict, but that doesn't define who I am," Patterson said. "I've been clean for over two years. I'm still an addict, but it doesn't mean I'm using."

It's also an opportunity for him to possibly help others, he said.

"People deserve to hear it. It might sound weird, but it would not be right for me to not read some of my stuff. I don't write for me, I write for others."

Erin Snyder, 30, started cutting herself when she was 15. Then she discovered a love for painting. She's been painting for the past 10 years.

"It helps me immensely. It helps me not to hurt myself," Snyder said. "It's very relaxing and it makes me feel better afterward."

Five of Snyder's acrylic paintings will be on display at the showcase. She said she is often inspired by her emotions and her love for animals.

"It comes out very interesting and unique. I guess you can call it abstract," she said. "I found it's very therapeutic to do anything artistic. ... I've never had a chance to show my artwork before. I'm very excited about it and I'm also excited to see the type of artwork other people do."

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