Brian I've heard it from family members-"Your lazy"I've heard it from friends- "You're just sad."I've heard it from strangers- "You look fine to me, it must be all in your head."I've heard that actions speak louder than words. All these things happened to me after I was was physically injured so bad on the job that could not go back to work. I felt hopeless and helpless. I tried to get better but couldn't do it on my own. The support I needed from family and friends turned into judgment...I think maybe because my recovery didn't go as they thought it should. All these things and so much more, kept hammering away at me, day after day, moment after moment, until I was left shattered and undone. About the PiecesThe initial works of art were created as self portraits by clients who attend the Expressive Art Program, created and facilitated by Stacy Spinazze.
Two of the portraits are recognizable faces, Abe Lincoln and Vincent Van Gogh. They both experienced mental illness in their lifetime. The goal with this combination of these portraits is to have you, the viewer ask, “what do these faces have in common? Why are Lincoln and Van Gogh with these other faces? ”
By exploring this question, it is our hope that you; the viewer will discover the connection and message that anyone can be affected by mental illness.

Thank You
David C and Lara M Lovell FoundationThe Toledo Public Library Technology DepartmentThe Toledo Street Newspaper