Capitol Showcase Art Exhibition 2022

I like drawing pictures. It's fun to draw and it makes me happy.

Tim
People Outside Playing in the Rain
NFS

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I was diagnosed with depression back in my early 20s and later it was changed to paranoid schizophrenia. I’ve been in and out of the hospital a lot over the years. Staying active at Riverbend Mental Health Center, watching TV, and drawing all help me stay focused.

I started drawing in 6th grade. I enjoy sketching and pencil drawing. Shading in my drawings makes things look more lifelike. I’ve really been into castles and stone walls recently.

Ramesh
Crack in My Wall
$5

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From an early age, I knew I was different. I didn’t know how or why I was different; I just knew I was. Not only did I discover that I was mentally ill, but also that I am gay. Growing up in Alabama in the 1980s and being gay was not a walk in the park. This added to my anxiety and depression. Discovering who and what I am and learning to be proud of that took time.

Last year I moved out on my own for the first time in over 20 years, I thought I had really made it. I had overcome everything, and life was going to be easy from here on out. Then another bout of major depression hit. It happened just after Christmas of 2021. I tried my usual coping skills of music, video games, and painting but nothing seemed to help. Everything was so structured and that wasn’t helping me. Then I discovered Pour Painting. A random, fluid, colorful form of art that was perfect for what I was feeling.

Jeff
Emotional Tsunami
Negotiable

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I am an artist that was self-taught. The artistic name I have given myself has a lot to do with my spirituality.

The obstacles I have faced in life include rape, physical abuse from a spouse, mental and emotional abuse, molestation, the death of a parent at a young age, and escaping a cult. There are many other obstacles that have faced and still facing that have caused lasting effects on my life.

I have a lot of depression that is a direct result of things I’ve gone through. It often puts me in a hole that I often try to climb out of by writing and drawing. Art has been my support for a very long time. It is because of art that I could speak about what I often could not say aloud to people. As I got older, my spiritual beliefs became my number one way of relieving stress and sadness that builds up inside me.

Belinda
A Woman's Element
$50

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I don’t consider myself an artist. I became interested in art when a friend of mine needed an assistant for her art class and I became interested in painting myself. When I am trying to be creative it stills my mind and eliminates distractions. I must wait for inspiration. My favorite artists are Michelangelo and DaVinci.

I have OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, major depression, and a sleeping disorder. I have met numerous challenges in my life. My mental illness was instrumental in showing me that my path was to help others. I give my thanks to Wellstone Huntsville for taking me into their care and working with me until I felt whole.

Gina
Van Gogh Study
NFS

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What I love about drawing is cars. The different things you can do to a car to make it look different. I like sports cars. I enjoy the colors of cars especially when they shine like the sun and how you can make them different colors. I really like the way they sound when they go fast.

Jwuanta
Untitled
highest bidder

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I have bipolar disorder. Right now, I am stable, and my life stays the same from day to day. It seems like sometimes when I am doing well, people find faults in me. I live in a group home but hopefully, soon I can prove that I am more independent. I want to get my own apartment.

I am a self-taught artist. I did not take art in school. I have fun drawing and it takes my mind off things. I wanted to draw the crosses because it was the first thing that came to my mind. It reminds me of the Lord and inspired me to get back to church.

Johnny
Three Crosses
NFS

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I have been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, anger outbursts, and bipolar disorder. I have faced many obstacles in my life like losing my father and grandfather. I use my coping skills and have support from my day treatment peers and mentors. Getting through that helped me become a better person, stronger, and more independent.

I taught myself to draw. It helps me understand how to accomplish and complete things that I start. Drawing calms, me down and releases my stress. I like painting, tracing, looking at pictures in magazines, and drawing them myself. Art helped me deal with the grief of my dad and granddad.

Diamond
April Showers Bring May Flowers
$5

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Story missing

Shelley
2Face
Free

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I struggle with bipolar depression. I’m writing this to tell you about how my artwork has helped me overcome my diagnosis.

To start off I began drawing when I was 2 years old. Amazing right? It took me a lot of practice during my teenage years to get as good as I am now. As I look back, I try to fill my void of bipolar depression and notice my strengths and weaknesses and that is art in every form.

Leland
Babyboy and Lullaby
NFS

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I am a 35-year-old with very high energy for trains, transformers, and meeting and greeting new people. I love to travel and go to the beach and lake for outdoor activities. I know my way around the television channels and can maneuver my way to search and find the program I want. I like to paint.

Xan
Symbols
NFS

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I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. I am proud to say I am a Veteran and receive services from the VA. I am proud of myself for being able to live independently and maintain stability.

I enjoy drawing because it helps me to be able to calm down and meditate. I have learned that drawing is one of my most used coping skills. When I draw it helps me to focus on the task instead of the symptoms that may be bothering me.

Anthony
A Spiritual Journey
NFS

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I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia at age 18. Over the years, I’ve found that taking my medications regularly works best at managing my symptoms. Riverbend Mental Health Center is a good place to stay connected with friends and to keep my mother happy.

Expressing myself with art makes me a better person. My older brother used to tell me to draw cartoons when I was younger. That’s how I got into drawing. I enjoy pencil drawing the most I’m currently working on a self-portrait. With consistent effort, I will become the biggest artist of all time.

Nehemiah
Perplexed
$5

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My father completed his life when I was nine years old, and I have struggled with his decision most of my life. Recently, I have been diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder with rapid cycling. I am now taking medications to help me, but I still struggle with my father’s death and disorder. My doctors tell me it could take some time to get my medications right, so I have hope.

During my younger years, I found I could doodle, which turned into graphite drawings that led me to paint and that led me to write, and photograph. All that led me to a book publication, Abandoned Alabama Descent of Days Gone By.

I am a self-taught artist who continues to submerge myself into art with the sounds of music in the background because it gives me relief and a moment’s peace that I cannot find anywhere else, and the art I produce helps me reach others that struggle like me.

April
Colorful Web
$50

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I live in a group home with roommates who I consider to be my closest friends. I attend the Montgomery Burgess Center. I have a diagnosis of intellectual disability. I can seem shy, but I have a great personality once you get to know me. I enjoy doing art projects and spending time with my friends at home and at the Burgess Center.

Joshua
Buttoning of Spring
NFS

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The beginning represents the struggles of addiction but the people climb through it until they reach the peaceful top where they are clean.

Chris
Rough Waters
NFS

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My father completed his life when I was nine years old, and I have struggled with his decision most of my life. Recently, I have been diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder with rapid cycling. I am now taking medications to help me, but I still struggle with my father’s death and disorder. My doctors tell me it could take some time to get my medications right, so I have hope.

During my younger years, I found I could doodle, which turned into graphite drawings that led me to paint and that led me to write, and photograph. All that led me to a book publication, Abandoned Alabama Descent of Days Gone By.

I am a self-taught artist who continues to submerge myself into art with the sounds of music in the background because it gives me relief and a moment’s peace that I cannot find anywhere else, and the art I produce helps me reach others that struggle like me.

April
Daffy
$50

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Why I like to do art is because all the drawings and paintings that I do come to life. Whether it’s a cross painting or a picture of a person in color, it comes to life like in the real world that we live in today, tomorrow, and forever. That’s why I like to do art drawings and paintings.

Keambrea
Adorable Cross Life
NFS

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I like to draw, and I want to be a famous artist in the future.

Chelsea
Summer Beach
NFS

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I am 51 years old. I first developed a mental illness after a large LSD overdose when I was 21. I have been in and out of mental health centers here in Alabama since then. I am doing much better. We found a miracle drug for me- Abilify. It really turned me around and I have been doing great for the ten years since I took up drawing as an adult. I like doing stick people art- it amuses me and my family. I really appreciate all the workers in the mental health field I have met through the years. They have helped me.

Clark
Big Mistake A-1
$5

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Story Missing

Sarah
Yoga Frog
$50

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I have faced racial discrimination. I have a Traumatic Brain Injury from a boating accident when I was little. I also suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I have overcome eating disorders and body dysphoria.
I believe being an artist runs in my family. I knew at a young age it was my calling. I do it to inspire others and to mend my emotional scars.

Tammy
The Empty Face
highest bidder

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I’ve been struggling with a mental illness since I was 18 years old. I’ve had a lot of anxiety resulting in chest pains and anxiety attacks in the past. Since I have been dealing with my life on my own, I have had a lot of group support from my family and friends. I feel like since we have experienced similar struggles with our mental illnesses at Riverbend, we are able to encourage each other and hold each other accountable. I really had a vision for what I wanted this to be. I am not an exceptional artist, but I felt like this drawing was an expression of something that I can relate to every day.

Josh
Moonlit Waterfall
NFS

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I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2003 and have been attending Riverbend ever since. I have learned coping skills, the importance of taking medications, and developed a strong support system with friends and peers. I have served on the local NAMI board for the past four years and hope to make a lot of positive changes in my community.

Art helps to relax me a lot. I enjoy participating in this every year and showing people with mental illness what I can do.

Brian
Blue Sea
$10

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I have paranoid schizophrenia and anxiety. I have had it for a little over 30 years. I do have two sons. I live on my own in the community, which helps me to be more independent.

I am a very inspirational poem writer and I like to brighten up people’s days. My very special talent is to see people smile. It makes my day and helps me carry on through my day. I am very blessed with what God has given me. I started doing my own art and it keeps things from bothering me. I drew what I did because Jesus laid down his life for us and he will set us free.

Leatus
It's Very Inspirational
NFS

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I am 44 and have been a Glenwood resident from a very young age. I am very independent and love to travel and eat out. P F Chang is my favorite place to eat. I like to swim, walk, beach trips and I am an enthusiastic participant in art class at Glenwood.

Robert
Angels Among Us
NFS

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I am a 32-year-old, from Alabama and I like listening to music, writing, and drawing. I enjoy exploring my mind and creating illustrations that are unique. I really hope you enjoy my drawing.

Devonte
Untitled
highest bidder

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I’m bipolar and have some anxiety. I live independently in the community, and I try to help others when I can. I am more open-minded now about life’s challenges than I was before I was diagnosed.
I am a self-taught artist. I do art to relieve anxiety. I have the hope that someone will get something from my art. I like abstract art because it is easier, but it still takes some effort to put it together. It helps me focus.

Carla
The Lord of Many Colors
$5

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How my days got brighter in my recovery. And I love pretty summer days like in my painting.

Charles
Summer Days
$10

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I have depression and schizophrenia. I first came to Riverbend around 15 years ago. The medicine works well but makes me very sleepy. I enjoy watching TV, shooting pool, and spending time in the sunshine. I never was an artist, but occasionally, I do like to draw. I did this drawing because I like Disney. I wish I had more happiness, like Mickey Mouse does.

Warren
Mickey Mouse Sun
NFS

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I have schizoaffective disorder. I’ve tried to kill myself ten times. Thank God for Riverbend. It has helped me tremendously throughout the years. If it wasn’t for Riverbend, I don’t know where I’d be right now. Riverbend has saved my life. Now I have a better outlook on life than I used to have. I quit doing drugs and alcohol. I have more motivation than I used to. Art calms me down. Hope is what people with mental illness need. Through accepting each other and giving each other love, we can find joy.

Marlon
Hope
$5

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I am autistic and have depression and anxiety. I am also in remission from bipolar disorder. I go to the day program at Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center. The classes help me get through my mental illnesses and be safe. I decided to start making art because I enjoyed it a lot. I taught myself how to do most of the art I make. I like the kind of art that I make because it’s colorful and it helps me be more positive when I make it.

Morgan
Overwhelming
$25

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I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was young. I have struggled with symptoms for my entire life. I am proud to say that I have been maintaining stability and living independently for several years.

I enjoy coloring and doing art because it helps me manage my symptoms. Coloring is a way for me to relax but also allows me to have a creative outlet. I have learned to do many different styles of art while attending day treatment.

Violet
3 Men on a Cross
$10

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The biggest obstacles I had in my life were not being able to control my anger and drug usage. Also staying out of trouble. When I was admitted into the mental facility for my mental illness, I didn't think there was anything I could learn from this place. I learned a lot. I learned to express my feelings through drawing. Drawing calms me down whenever I'm upset. I learned to want better for myself. You have to learn from your mistakes and do better for yourself. If you need help, it's okay to ask for it.

The most challenging thing in my life these last five years was not giving up. On April 19, 2019, I lost my father, my best friend, the person that I felt meant the most to me in my life was gone. That was the worst pain I ever felt, and while being in jail when I found out he was dead, I was in my jail cell alone. At that point, I felt like nothing else mattered. I began to feel as if I no longer wanted to live. Then, I immediately felt something strange in my body. I felt his love for me. I knew my father loved and cared for me more than anything else and he wouldn't want me to give up. He wanted me to be a better person and make something of my life. It's been hard, but I continue to fight to become the best person I know I can be. So, when I leave Taylor Hardin he will be proud.

How did I become an artist? I saw other people doing it. I then became interested in it. So, I began to draw for fun. Then, I started to love it because I got good at it. It became a passion for me because it allows me to express myself and my inner feelings. I taught myself to draw.

I will continue to work hard. I will never give up, and I'll never lose hope.

Marcus
Hope 2
NFS

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I was diagnosed with schizophrenia at about 20 years old, so I’ve dealt with it my whole life. I have been in the hospital too many times to count. I am now in a group home and still have trouble staying focused. I have figured out it helps to stay busy. I like to take long walks, preferably on a nature trail, in the countryside, or along the riverbank. I like to listen to talk radio and a lot of music. I like to watch wildlife and draw animals, also aquariums and underwater scenes.

Stacy
Holy Day
$5

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I have faced many medical and mental health issues throughout my life. I have worked daily to overcome many obstacles and strive to maintain stability. In the future, I would like to live independently.
I enjoy drawing because it helps me to cope with my symptoms. Drawing helps calm me down and gives me something to focus on. I like to draw but really enjoy writing.

Xzayvious
The House
NFS

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Inspired by the new blooming tree and how good life is as a clean human. The colors inspire and relax me.

Tanya
Untitled
$75

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The first obstacle in my life was being hit by a car at the age of 13. I also faced the many obstacles associated with my illness. I have struggled with symptoms since being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. I have overcome these obstacles by using coping skills, taking my medications, and attending day treatment. I have also overcome these by maintaining an apartment and living independently. In the future, I want to continue to maintain my apartment and stay out of the hospital.

I taught myself how to draw. I like art because it is something I can do with my time. I have been doing art for a long time in my life and learned the basics of art during school. I like to draw, color, and paint. I also love to look at the artwork.

Kirk
Perfect Day
$5

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I’m from Guatemala and I’m 38. I have been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I get along with everyone and enjoy eating steak and shrimp. I enjoy exercising 40 minutes four days weekly. I like drawing after exercising and listening to music. I started drawing while in middle school. I wish that I could be a tattoo artist. I have always liked watching people draw and paint. I plan to keep drawing and increasing my skill so I would be able to draw anything.

Andres
Untitled
highest bidder

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I started getting mentally sick at a young age. I have paranoid schizophrenia. It got worse over the years, so, my mother thought Riverbend would be a good place for me. I live in a group home where I am learning basic living skills. I take my medication but sometimes I don’t do everything I am told to about it.

I started drawing because I looked at art in Encyclopedias, and I wanted to do art myself. I am self-taught. Drawing allows me to express myself. I drew my artwork to be something new that I have never seen before.

Randy
Work of Art
$10

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When we work together, lovely things can happen. This art is a beautiful example of that. Four friends, Art, Robert, Xan, and Patton, share much of their days doing things they enjoy together. They live in one of The Hope Cottages at Glenwood. They participate in the new Arts Center Program which is directed by Dr. Ann Phillips. Participants were supplied with the canvas, paints, and brushes. Dr. Phillips gave a little guidance on the colors. They quietly went to work. The results of their collaboration create a bright and wonderful landscape.

Hope 246 Cottage Residents at Glenwood
Seeing the Light
NFS

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I have a medical condition of Marfan’s Syndrome and paranoid schizophrenia. My medical condition is the reason I am taller than most and metabolize food and medicines fast. I experience many symptoms of both illnesses. I am glad to be in residential housing and maintain stability with their assistance. I enjoy drawing because it helps decrease symptoms like hearing things. When I draw it helps to calm me down as well as drown out auditory hallucinations. When I draw it makes me smile.

Kevin
Love Poet
$5

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I have obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression. My medications have helped me overcome my anxiety and depression. I still struggle with OCD tendencies. I live in the community with my family so that helps me to be more independent.

I am a self-taught artist. Art helps me express myself any way I want to. It gets my mind off obsessions and obsessive thoughts. I drew a picture of our dog because she is a support companion.

Adam
Misty
NFS

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I live at home with my sister and attend the Montgomery ARC Burgess Center. I have a diagnosis of intellectual disability. I have a very caring nature and find fulfillment in helping others. Most people describe me as a woman of few words because I often have very little to say, but my actions speak for themselves and show my kind and thoughtful personality. I’ve always had a love for anything related to art and consider it one of my favorite relaxing pastimes.

Betty
Butterfly in the Sky
NFS

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The mental illness and disabilities I have are autism, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety disorder. The challenges I have overcome were some tough challenges. I learned how to cope with my hallucinations using my art to distract myself. My time management has improved tremendously because I’ve used art to control my anxiety.

I am basically self-taught and only took an art class in school because I needed an elective to graduate, and it was interesting to learn new kinds of art such as Repoussé’.

Larry
Moonlight Romance
NFS

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Story missing

Brandy
Untitled
$100

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The biggest obstacles I had in my life were not being able to control my anger and drug usage. Also staying out of trouble. When I was admitted into the mental facility for my mental illness, I didn't think there was anything I could learn from this place. I learned a lot. I learned to express my feelings through drawing. Drawing calms me down whenever I'm upset. I learned to want better for myself. You have to learn from your mistakes and do better for yourself. If you need help, it's okay to ask for it.

The most challenging thing in my life these last five years was not giving up. On April 19, 2019, I lost my father, my best friend, the person that I felt meant the most to me in my life was gone. That was the worst pain I ever felt, and while being in jail when I found out he was dead, I was in my jail cell alone. At that point, I felt like nothing else mattered. I began to feel as if I no longer wanted to live. Then, I immediately felt something strange in my body. I felt his love for me. I knew my father loved and cared for me more than anything else and he wouldn't want me to give up. He wanted me to be a better person and make something of my life. It's been hard, but I continue to fight to become the best person I know I can be. So, when I leave Taylor Hardin he will be proud.

How did I become an artist? I saw other people doing it. I then became interested in it. So, I began to draw for fun. Then, I started to love it because I got good at it. It became a passion for me because it allows me to express myself and my inner feelings. I taught myself to draw.

I will continue to work hard. I will never give up, and I'll never lose hope.

Marcus
Hope 1
NFS

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I have been an artist most of my life. As early as I can remember, I practiced until I could draw anything. My struggles in my life have been surviving from abuse and living with schizophrenia and depression.
The drawing talent I have is a blessing. In my family, five others were artists. The enjoyment I get is what inspires me to paint and draw, then color it with colored pencils or markers.

Melanie
Hop Into Spring
NFS

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I have faced many obstacles in my life. I know my mental illness is bipolar disorder now. I have had to face a lot of challenges because of my mental illness. My recovery plan Is to continue to go to Day Treatment and get the help that I need. I have come a long way since I was diagnosed with my illness. I have my own apartment and I have done well in my life.

I am a self-taught artist. I love to draw because it is calming, fun, and takes my mind off my mental illness. I love to color, and I enjoy doing it all the time.

Jackie
Utopia
$5

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I like drawing houses for art.

Zachary
House
NFS

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In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with Teenage Depression and till March 2020 I was steadily down. My thoughts lingered on what was wrong with life and the pain that is suffered all around the world. During quarantine, I felt that I had not “lived my teenage years” by drinking or partying so I got with a friend and started smoking pot. Weed became a social activity as well as a private daily activity. During this time I started dating a girl who I fell head over heels in love with. However, as the relationship turned emotionally abusive I started to use pot to calm my brain and not linger on the pain that I was suffering. Shortly after the relationship, I was diagnosed with PTSD due to flashbacks of the trauma endured in that romance.

I upped my meds but continued to abuse marijuana till I got caught by my parents and was severely punished. Starting then I made a promise to my parents and myself that I would grow “in mind, body, and soul.” I began a simple meditation practice to clear my anxiety and try to live more in the moment as opposed to the dark corners of my mind. I progressed to studying Buddhism and Buddhist meditation techniques, Hinduism and yoga, and Wiccan ideals. This quest for spirit brought me out of my depression and taught me how to control my mind and thoughts to the positive and the beauty in life as opposed to the dark that I lived in for so long.

I want my story to show that we are not our mental illnesses. It takes lots and lots of determination but life can change for the better. When one of us grows it shows that all of us can
grow and I want to share that light through my art.

Jack
John 14:17
NFS

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I have had both mental and physical problems all my life. I am diagnosed with schizophrenia and have symptoms every day. I live in a group home that helps me be compliant with my medications and work on daily living skills.

I like to color to help when my voices are bothering me. When I color it gives me something to focus on. I have always enjoyed art and like to participate when classes are offered.

Lora
The Rose
NFS

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I like to be called: Artist. I attend The Montgomery ARC Burgess Center. I have a diagnosis of intellectual disability. My disability does not refrain me from doing the thing I love most and that is art. I enjoy expressing myself artistically. I love to do artwork, painting, and drawing, as my pastime. I am a self-taught artist. My love for art has enhanced my skill.

Reginald
A Day at the Fair
NFS

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I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder co-occurring with substance abuse back in my early 40s. I began my mental health and substance abuse recovery in Arizona, but after moving back to Alabama, I have used Riverbend Mental Health Center as my main source of support.

I started drawing as a kid and didn’t think anything of it until later in life when I noticed working chalks and sketching helped to keep my mind focused and distracted from depression, anger, and suicidal thoughts. I enjoy creating landscapes and telling little stories about what’s going on in pictures.

Bill
Mornings Mount
$10

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The multicolors on my tree show how I look now because in the past my tree would have no limbs. My tree says that I'm shining out now, being outgoing instead of hiding in the shadows.

Brandy
Untitled
$100

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I have had a mental illness my whole life. I was at Bryce Hospital for a long time, and I am at the group home right now but my goal is to move to Tennessee with my family.

I love flowers and when I don’t feel good, I draw flowers.

Jennie
Spring Bloom
$5

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I come to Riverbend to learn about my illness. I have schizophrenia. I was diagnosed in 1988. I enjoy learning about my symptoms. I can think of more positive thoughts since coming to Riverbend. I can make better decisions, take control of my life, and recover from my illness. I like recreating other people’s drawings. I started drawing at the library when I was younger. My drawing is me and my family going to get ice cream. We used to do this every week. It is one of my favorite family memories.

James
My Family Going to Town
NFS

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I like going to classes at Riverbend. I was diagnosed with depression and have improved since starting to take medication three years ago. I use fun activities to cope with my depression. I enjoy music, coloring, getting on the computer, and drawing. I started doing art in elementary school. I chose to draw a tiger because they are my favorite animal.

Betty
Arkansas Tiger
NFS

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I experience disorganized thought and erratic affect. This did not deter me, maybe enhanced my path to better mindfulness and the most flawless self-induced coping strategies. I was always drawn to sensory absorption, but it was probably intrusive thoughts breaking into my vision that finally demanded I incarnate and present them artistically. My inner resources govern what I graphically record, which could be articulated as psychoanalytic and counterintuitive.

Mark
A Derealized Angle
$25

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The reason I enjoy drawing artwork is that it makes a difference to me. I feel I can explore through my mind, it releases stress, and removes all the negative thinking from my mind. Most of all, it makes me feel empowered because I get to improve and advance my skill in drawing. I also feel drawing helps me develop a positive attitude which makes me feel comfortable. My goal is to keep improving my skill in drawing to remain stable while managing my mental illness.

Jesus
Bruce Lee
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I have a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. I have a lot of forgetfulness with my illness. I have faced many obstacles in my life: shyness, feeling awkward, loneliness, not feeling good enough, and not being accepted by others. I have times of loneliness and feel devastated. When I get manic, I am very talkative and outgoing. My family has been judgmental. I feel they reject me sometimes.

I love to do any kind of art. It helps me escape reality and is soothing and relaxing.

Jackie
Tea Time
$5

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I have Autism. I also have ADHD. I am a Christian. I enjoy coming to Riverbend to learn to use my coping skills. I have been drawing ever since I was five. I took art in school when I was 11 and loved it so much that I continued to take it throughout high school. I like making stuff out of clay, doing paper-mâché, and capturing good photography. I enjoy art because it is a fun way to express myself.

Demontre
City of LA, California
$25

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I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder with hallucinations, my first major episode happened when I was 23. This has profoundly affected my life. While now on disability, I was however able to work for several years in between episodes. I now attend a drop-in center which fosters my socialization and creative impulses.

I am primarily a self-taught artist. At one point I had a roommate who was artistic, and I picked up a few things from her. I had wanted to try creating artwork for a long time but didn’t have the courage until I joined the art group at my drop-in center. “A Modern Mavis” is in acrylics, which is my usual medium, along with watercolor pencils and markers. Mavis is my animal companion, my closest friend.

Anna
A Modern Mavis
NFS

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I have faced many obstacles in my life. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia when I was a young girl. I have experienced many symptoms of my illness. I have overcome the challenge of graduating from high school. I also successfully raised my children and became a grandmother. In the future, I would like to remain stable and live independently.

I enjoy art because it gives me a hobby to focus on. I learned how to be an artist by taking art classes in high school. I also taught myself how to do art. I also enjoy art because it helps me cope with the symptoms of my illness.

Mary
Love
NFS

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