Mobile County native’s art submitted for mental illness, developmental disability competition

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Artistic works from more than 90 people experiencing mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities are on display at the Alabama State Capitol’s Old Supreme Court Library, and one of those artists is a Mobile local.

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Ty Tover, a peer counselor for the Mobile County Health Department and a contemporary expressionist painter is that artist, according to an MCHD press release.

His painting, titled “Away from here,” was selected for the exhibit.

Tover’s painting depicts a person looking through an opening of white fabric and a butterfly. He wrote on his application form why he did the painting shown above:

“I have struggled with depression and sadness my entire life,” Tover wrote. “Even as a child, I always felt I experienced sadness differently than others.”

“I hope that my opening up about my struggle with recurring depression helps others. I use art as an outlet to express my sadness but also when I am happy. I hope by looking at my art others can see that out of darkness, we can create light and out of sorrow, we can build happiness.”

For more information on the Capitol Showcase, visit the Alabama Department of Mental Health website.

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A May 23 reception is in place to honor the artists and their supporters and spotlight the winner of the Best in Show Award as determined by an online vote, according to the press release.

To vote for Best in Show, visit the voting form.

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