STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Artists are wanted to contribute artwork for the 2019 Journey to Wellness art show.
This year’s event—part of the National Alliance for Mental Illness in the Wood River Valley’s StigmaFree initiative--will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 11 at the Ketchum Innovation Center (KIC) at 180 6th St. West in Ketchum.
Art will be auctioned off to benefit mental health resources in the community.
This year participating artists are encouraged to create a work in a medium of their choice that explores or conveys idea about mental illness, health and wellness through the 2019 theme of “Birds.”
The theme was chosen in honor of NAMI-WRV’s teen support groups named the Bluebirds, whose motto suggests “sometimes when you’re feeling down and blue, remember you will fly.”
Artists are encouraged to tie their concepts of mental illness, health and wellness in execution of work in the spirit of birds, rebirth and overcoming obstacles in solidarity and support.
Architects, interior designers, landscape architects, engineers, contractors and other members of the public are also encouraged to build birdhouses to be displayed and auctioned in support of the cause. Paint should be non-toxic in case birds chip away at the finish.
This show—like last year’s--is being chaired by Poo Wright Pulliam, Marie Stewart, Kirk Anderson and David Rau.
The way our talented and compassionate community comes together for a cause never ceases to amaze,” says NAMI-WRV President Daniel Hansen. “This is a great event to display the amazing talent in our community, enjoy great food and drink and raise funds and awareness for a vital cause.”
Drop off donations at the NAMI-WRV office at the Community Campus in Hailey between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays from Feb. 25 through March 7. Submissions may also be dropped off at the KIC between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday, March 8.
Students and seniors citizens are also on standby to paint finished birdhouses.
For information, contact NAMI at 208-481-0686, visit www.namiwrv.org/art or email info@namiwrv.org.
NAMI-WRV is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy. For information on the Bluebirds, visit www.namiwrv.org/bluebirds/.