And it’s not just an art show. Mercer says there will be mental health resources available for people who need them.
CHICO, Calif. – Butte County artists are bringing awareness to mental health issues through their recent work.
In this week’s Wellness Wednesday segment, Action News Now reporter Camille Acevedo takes us behind the scenes of the upcoming art show at Monca, the Museum of Northern California Art.
May is mental health awareness month. And inside this museum are dozens of pieces of artwork showcasing mental health issues. Issues that people in the county are struggling with.
One of them is 10-year-old Lincoln Cervantes, who is showcasing his work at the upcoming mental health awareness show.
“The mask represents what is coming off to other people. All the glass on there represents having to be a mirror. Do a mirror image and not let anyone know that underneath you’re really struggling. The nails represent the pain that’s on your forehead,” Cervantes said.
Cervantes tells Action News Now that he was diagnosed with Asperger’s, ADHD and autism. Through his artwork, he describes how it feels to navigate life with a combination of syndromes.
“I struggle with all of those, and basically that is just a combination of all of them and how it feels to mask with them,” Cervantes said.
Cervantes is using his voice to help others who are dealing with pain as well.
“I just want to let everyone know who has neurodivergence. To a kid or adult, it doesn’t matter. Just keep going. You are not that different, and if you are, it’s more of an advantage than disadvantage,” Cervantes said.
There are many other pieces inside that tell a very personal story. Trauma specialist artist Jess Mercer explains why she created this show.
“My mission with this show and with my life, and as an activist is just to know that the brain and the body have to balance. This is my opportunity and our opportunity to share that with the world to support people,” Mercer said.
Mercer says much of the artwork that we are seeing represents struggles with PTSD, depression, eating disorders and anxiety. The exhibit showcases 50 artists from across the county. Artists from all ages and backgrounds have joined together to create this show.
“I’m 39, but my 43-year-old brother has lived in the mental asylum for the last 22 years of his life. So with that, I have also been heavily impacted with what that means to be the sibling of someone that lives with a mental illness. I also live with complex PTSD and having some pretty neurological struggles right now, as I have had in the past from that trauma,” Mercer said.
And it’s not just an art show. Mercer says there will be mental health resources available for people who need them.
The show is on May 16th at the Museum of Northern California Art from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
