NCCMH submits local artwork to statewide show
NORTHERN MICHIGAN — Artwork by Martin Kiper of Levering and Melody Pruett of Pellston were selected to represent 12 Northern Michigan counties in the statewide traveling art show, “Creative Minds Changing Minds,” sponsored by the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan.
Kiper’s and Pruett’s art was selected by North Country Community Mental Health (NCCMH) to represent Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Kalkaska and Otsego counties.
Kiper’s selected artwork is entitled “Space Drop,” and is a digitally colored pencil sketch he says represents “outer tranquility after inner turmoil.”
“I feel like art is my purpose in a lot of ways,” Kiper said. “I love the ability to make something abstract in my mind into a reality, and how it’s made me look at life differently. I think it helps me not overlook everything as much, to just slow down and appreciate things you wouldn’t usually notice, or maybe never thought of as pretty or striking.”
Pruett’s selected artwork is an acrylic painting entitled, “Bear and Cubs." For Pruett, art is an important hobby.
“I do my paints and beads on the weekend. I get bored very easily and art keeps me occupied,” she said.
The goals of the traveling art show are to help de-stigmatize mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and addictive disorders by showcasing the multidimensionality of the artists and to highlight the recovery potential of art.
“The process of making art allows people an opportunity to create a new focus, think in a manner outside ordinary ways, and give expression to new or developing awareness,” said NCCMH CEO Brian Babbitt. “We are pleased to support this show of Michigan artists who have used art to help in their recovery and have chosen to share their gifts. This show is a great opportunity to shine a light on the perspective and creativity of the people we serve.”
The Creative Minds Changing Minds show will debut in 2025 and will tour Northern Michigan in April and May 2025.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: NCCMH submits local artwork to statewide show
