[Make.Shift Gallery]

Posted By: Make.Shift Gallery

Participant

CALL FOR ART: Always look on the bright side of mental illness

Make.Shift opens an invitation to find the humorous and joyful amidst turmoil and gloom. And to stick our tongues out to distress. The goal of the exhibition is to respond to our mental illnesses with whimsical self-reflection, colorful inspiration, and comic defiance. Showcasing the multi-dimensionality involved in living with mental illnesses, we aim to fight stigma with smiles and create awareness with jest. Help us get those happy brain chemicals flowing during February’s cold dark days!

Make.Shift welcomes guest curator, Javier Berzal de Dios, for this exhibition. Javier is an associate professor of Art History at Western Washington University. His work explores connections between visual arts, philosophy, and literature. His last publication was Visual Experiences in Cinquecento Theatrical Spaces, a book that studies Renaissance theatre architecture and design focusing on the spectators’ experiences. “Art and humor have always been reliable allies in my struggles with mental illness,” says Javier, “and I hope to bring cheer and encouragement to our community with this exhibition.”

For more about Javier, go to: http://www.javierberzal.com

Please note: Works will be selected based on quality of work, curational continuity, and availability of space. We ask that artists reflect on their own personal experiences with mental illness. Works that use humor at the expense of others will not be accepted. Remember: No booze. No drugs. No jerks.

Artists can submit up to 3 works. All mediums accepted. All 2-D work must be hung with a wire (read more about our hanging requirements here: makeshiftproject.com/hanging-requirements).

 

How to submit:

Send digital photographs of up to 3 pieces to [email protected] by Friday, Jan 3rd, 2020 (HOT TIP: Label each image file with the title of the piece)

In your email, you must include:
1. Your name and phone number
2. The title of each piece
3. The dimensions of each piece
4. A short bio and artist statement (no more than 1 paragraph) describing how your work relates to the theme
5. If selected, you must deliver your pieces to Make.Shift Gallery (306 Flora St) by Friday, Jan 24th, 2020
6. Then, come have a party with us on Art Walk night, Friday, Feb 7th, 2020
7. The show will hang through the month. Artists must pick up their pieces on Sunday March 1st, 2020
Any questions? Contact: [email protected]

If you are struggling with mental illness, please know there are people who can help. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a list of resources available on their website: nami.org/Find-Support. We love you and you are not alone.