“ART AND WRITING ARE SUCH UNIQUE WAYS TO EXPLAIN THINGS THAT ARE HARD TO EXPLAIN,” says Emily Winsor. “It’s very cathartic to share your story with others.”
This is Winsor’s fifth year participating as both a writer and artist in Journey of Hope, an exhibition that pairs writers and artists in creative collaboration to destigmatize mental illness as part of Sacramento County’s “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” initiative.
Each year, the county puts out a call to those who have dealt with a mental illness to submit a piece of writing that captures their experience. The writing is then handed off to artists who have applied to interpret the writing in visual form.
“It’s exciting to see if I can demonstrate someone’s story through art,” says textile artist E. Kaino Hopper, who’s in her third year with the project. “The process creates a shared space to have an open dialogue and, ultimately, move into a place of hope.”
The initiative as a whole seeks to reduce stigma and discrimination, promote wellness and inspire hope for people and families living with mental illness. This year’s exhibition was on display at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center (5330 Gibbons Drive in Carmichael) through Nov. 17 and at the Crocker Art Museum (216 O St.) Nov. 28 through Jan. 5, 2020.
For more information, visit stopstigmasacramento.org.
