Art Project At Newark Penn: ‘Mental Illness Can Affect Anyone'

Patch
Five large-scale photographic portraits of people impacted by mental illness will be displayed along Newark Penn Station’s Track One.

NEWARK, NJ — NJ Transit and the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris (MHAEM) have officially kicked off the “Out in the Open. In it Together” project at Newark Penn Station, a public art initiative that attempts to destigmatize mental health issues.

The installation, a partnership between MHAEM and NJ Transit, attempts to show how “mental illness can affect anyone,” but that help is available, according to a news release.

“NJ Transit is glad to partner with MHAEM on this very important project, highlighting that mental illness affects people of every age, gender and strata,” Executive Director Kevin Corbett said. “We are pleased to display these powerful images in our stations, and if we are able to help one person recognize the need for mental health assistance in themselves or a loved one, then the effort is a success.”

As part of the project, five large-scale photographic portraits of individuals impacted by mental illness will be displayed along Newark Penn Station’s Track One near the East End doors.

The photos will debut at Newark Penn Station and will remain on display until Dec. 16, 2018, and then will be on display at the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction from January 3, 2019 until March 3, 2019.

Learn more about the project here.

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Photo: NJ Transit