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Date: 4/8/2019
AGAWAM – On April 2, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Western Massachusetts hosted an opening reception at the Chicopee Public Library for the non-profit organization’s Eighth Annual Art Show. The art show, which will be on display through the month of April in the library’s Community Room, included artwork from those suffering from or affected by mental illness.
The Western Massachusetts chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is based in Agawam and is focused on spreading awareness for mental health. NAMI Western Massachusetts also shares support and educational resources that are available in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties with residents. The NAMI Western Massachusetts office is located at 324A Springfield Street and acts as a resource center for those who are affected by mental illness and their loved ones.
Mark Carney, communications coordinator for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Massachusetts, explained, “This is an art show where the artist is dealing with various degrees of illness. There are various art forms on display in the library’s Community Room.”
Each year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Massachusetts requests artwork months in advance to be put on display to raise awareness for mental illness. “We put out a call for artists a couple of months in advance and notify various service agencies who bring the art over,” Carney said.
The current art show is displaying over 60 works, including two-dimensional pieces, poetry and paintings. The art show is free to view for visitors of the library.
The opening ceremony included food donated by Munich Haus Restaurant in Chicopee. Neal Boyd, president of NAMI Western Massachusetts attended the event to speak about the organization and the art show. Numerous volunteers also pitched in to make sure the opening reception went off without a hitch.
Carney said the opening reception was a success. “It went very well. We had somewhere around 70 people attend the event. President Neal Boyd spoke for a while and people were able to wander around and look at art while having a snack. It was great,” Carney said.
Carney said he believes that mental illness is an important topic to bring awareness to in the wake of events around the world. “It’s very important to display this art and raise awareness for mental illness because, especially now with all of the shootings and terrible things happening, we need to let people know that they can get help,” Carney said.
Carney continued, “Art is something to relax people, calm them and take their mind off of things. I highly recommend it.”
All of the artwork currently on display at the Chicopee Public Library is available for purchase. Those interested in purchasing a piece can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Massachusetts by calling 786-9139 or by email at information@namiwm.org. The Chicopee Public Library is located at 449 Front St.
If you or someone you know are struggling with mental illness and are in need of resources, please contact the NAMI Western Massachusetts Helpline number at 800-950-6264. If you are experiencing a crisis situation, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.