Seeing Me: Mental Health and Art Experience

Courtney Sakowski, LSW, MSW; Daniel Huesman, MSW, LSW, LCDCIII & Megan Kraner, LSW, MSW | September 23-25

Topic: Art | Knowledge Level: All levels

This art experience provides attendees a space to learn from, connect with, and understand the stories of those who are living with mental illnesses. This exhibit aims to highlight the ways in which art can be a coping skill, form of expression, and/or a therapeutic intervention. The theme "Seeing Me" focuses on the need to value the individual, their resilience, their artistic process, and their talent – above their mental health struggles. Art is a form of language and expression, and through the art in this exhibit, it is the goal to create a space where the topic of mental health can be explored, but furthermore, that the individual’s abilities and experiences can be celebrated.

Exhibit Objectives:

· Highlight the use of art as a coping skill and therapeutic intervention for mental illnesses

· Express lived experiences of individuals living with mental illnesses

· Provide a safe space for exploration, conversation, and celebration of mental health

About the Exhibit Organizers

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Courtney Sakowski, LSW, MSW

Courtney Sakowski is a University of Toledo graduate and has been an active community member. She has volunteered with Toledo’s Take Back the Night collective, the Clothesline Project, and the International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference. She has been a social justice advocate in the Toledo and Washington DC areas.

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Daniel Huesman, MSW, LSW, LCDCIII

Daniel Huesman is a University of Toledo graduate with over 18 years’ experience in mental health. He promotes decriminalization of the mentally ill working for Toledo Legal Aid Society on the Opportunity Project and volunteers at the UT Student Run Clinic supporting students with social work development.

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Megan Kraner, LSW, MSW

Megan Kraner is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She is currently serving her second year as the Art Committee Director for the International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference and has been a volunteer for the conference for 5 years. She has been an active volunteer, employee, and community member for multiple anti-trafficking efforts in Metro-Detroit, Toledo, and Atlanta.

2020Anna SchrammSeptember 23, 2020art