By Kathie Wagner
VSA Wisconsin

VSA Wisconsin will host the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wisconsin’s 10th Annual Healing Art Show from Oct.1–Nov. 30 at the VSA Wisconsin Gallery, 1709 Aberg Ave. The exhibition showcases artwork created by people living with mental illness. A free-to-the-public opening reception will take place Friday, Oct. 7, 5‒9 pm, and will be part of Madison’s Fall Gallery Night.

The purpose of the exhibition is to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness by highlighting talents and strengths that far overshadow mental illness. The works featured in the exhibition have been created by artists with a primary diagnosis of a major mental illness, including but not limited to bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder and major depression.

The mission of VSA Wisconsin is to expand the capabilities, confidence and quality of life for children and adults across the age and disability spectrum by providing programs in dance, drama, creative writing, music and visual art. Among those served are persons with mental illness.

The mission of NAMI Wisconsin is to improve the quality of life for people affected by mental illness and to promote recovery.