The Awakenings Project

The Awakenings Project

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Creating a Sense of Self

By Ann Piccininni Daily Herald Correspondent

Posted Thursday, March 30, 2006 The healing power of art was on display in Aurora this spring. An exhibit featured over 100 works by about 20 people affiliated with the Awakenings Project, a Glen Ellyn-based group that aims to help those with mental illness express themselves through art. The show opened with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and continued through May 28 at the David L. Pierce Art & History Center in downtown Aurora, said Rena Church, public art commission director and curator. The nonprofit Awakenings Project helps artists who have struggled with mental illness develop and express their creative nature through art, said artist Irene O’Neill, president of the organization’s board of directors. O’Neill said mental illness and the stigma it carries can devastate a person’s self-esteem and sense of identity. Creating art can mitigate those effects, she said, and help raise public awareness of the creative capacities and potential of those living with mental illness. “It gives us an identity other than ‘person with mental illness,’” she said. The organization also fosters a cooperative, supportive atmosphere among members. “There’s a lot of camaraderie that we develop,” she said. O’Neill said the project, founded in 1996 by photographer Robert Lundin, had its first exhibition in 1997. Artists use a variety of media, from oil and watercolor painting to sculpture, pottery, photography, music, drama and literature, she said. A panel discussion featuring Awakenings artists was scheduled from 2 to 3:30 p.m. April 30 at the gallery as part of the Awakenings Project’s participation in Bodies of Work, the Chicago Festival of Disability Arts and Culture. O’Neill said the Chicago-area festival ran from April 20-30, 2006.

NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE CHRONICLE

New Art Exhibition Provides Wake Up Call

Mandy BertIssue date: 4/14/06 Section: ETC Media Credit: [http://www.theawakeningsproject.org] , [http://media.www.nccchronicle.com/media/storage/paper804/news/2006/04/14/Etc/New-Art.Exhibition.Provides.Wake.Up.Call-1851352.shtml]

All of the artwork featured in The Awakenings Project is created by mentally ill individuals.

Throughout time art has served a staggering number of purposes, one of which is to provide a creative, therapeutic release for the artist. Currently, one grass-roots movement, The Awakenings Project, is going to great lengths to promote this incredible purpose. With a mission statement of "Empowering persons with mental illness through art," their task is not a small one. Founded in 1996, the group's main site is in Glen Ellyn, Ill. However, much of their artwork is now on exhibit to the public at the Aurora Public Art Commission through May 28. This intriguing display features more than 100 works of art created by survivors of various mental illnesses. The diverse display showcases a variety of paintings, sculptures and photographs. Curator Irene O'Neill designed this exhibition as a part of a series of shows dealing with similar issues. The work on display is from more than 20 celebrated artists that have struggled with a variety of psychiatric diseases. Created as both a therapeutic outlet for individuals with mental illnesses as well as a vehicle to promote public awareness, The Awakenings Project promises to be an educational and captivating presentation.

Originally an art show in 1996, founder Robert Lundin wanted to put together an exhibition for his friends and colleagues suffering from mental illnesses. Shortly thereafter Irene O'Neill became Co-Director to help with this undertaking. The Awakenings Art Show quickly gained momentum and soon developed into The Awakenings Project with a Center for the Arts in Glen Ellyn. The Project strives to promote awareness of the individual talents of those struggling with psychiatric disorders as well as to aid in the development and enhancement of these individuals' creative abilities. The Awakenings Project cites that much evidence has been found that correlates affective disorders and creative genius and, based on these findings, aims to aid in the recovery process of persons with mental illnesses. Workers on the Project are quick to point out that society has formulated incredible misconceptions about mentally ill individuals by falsely labeling them as dangerous or hopeless. However, through these art exhibits, The Awakenings Project hopes to educate the public and eradicate misunderstandings. Although a variety of artwork is showcased, incredible talent exists in every piece, regardless of the medium. By allowing the public to view these works, Awakenings hopes to enlighten viewers of the special talents many mentally ill individuals possess.

The exhibit is open Wednesday-Saturday from noon until 4PM. However, any individual wanting to delve deeper into these works can meet the artists personally on Sunday, April 30 from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Aurora Public Art Commission.

In coalition with Bodies of Work, the Chicago Festival of Disability, Arts and Culture, The Awakenings Project, many Awakenings artists will host a Question & Answer session with members of the public, providing an insight into their artwork as well as their inspirations. Avid art lovers and novices alike are sure to benefit from the educational and inspiration pieces on display in Aurora via The Awakenings Project. For a truly eye opening experience, this exhibition is not to be missed.