Recovery Artist, Renick Stevenson
 On January 15, 1996, the storyline of the Battle Creek Enquirer read “You alone can do it...but you can’t do it alone” speaking of recovery from mental illness.

This was the tag line used by a Share Center Patron when talking about mental illness recovery.  There are multiple strategies that impact recovery, spending time with friends and hobbies are two of those strategies. 

Renick Stevenson was a resident artist at the time working with Neighborhoods, Inc. when he and dozens of Share Center consumers put their time, energy, and creativity into the mural you see at the top of this website.  Renick drew the outlines and the consumers or patrons of Share Center filled in as part of the team.

Renick is very familiar with the concept of recovery as mental illness was part of his life in the form of schizophrenia and manic depression.  Renick expressed his thoughts through murals hoping to build a sense of empowerment and self-esteem by partnering with consumers across the community.  Recovery is achieved in multiple ways, through artist expression, hobbies, volunteering, and working as part of a team.  Creating and completing the murals in 1996 was part of a strategy which built community cohesion but recovery from mental illness was still thought of as the exception at that time.

It is wonderful to know that multiple resources have strived to dispel the myth that recovery from mental illness is not possible.  Over 65% of those with a mental illness diagnosis recover to their previous level of functioning and some say they are better than prior to their illness.

Mr. Stevenson continues in his creative expression as evidenced in the self-portrait below.  Renick states, “I’ve been given the gift of art to be used as a vehicle to gain better mental health... it is about honoring the creative process in all of us...LIVING YOUR LIFE CREATIVELY IS THE HIGHEST FORM OF ART”.  It is also a means to move toward mental illness recovery and mental health.

Please click here to read the full article (in PDF format) from the Battle Creek Enquirer. To learn more about Renick Stevenson, who has a new show opening September 10, 2004 at The Eclectic Gallery at 60 Calhoun Street, Battle Creek.

Note: Acrobat Reader will be needed to read the full article. If you don't have Acrobat Reader, it is a free download at www.adobe.com.


Recovery Artist, John Galloup

Mr. John Galloup saw signs of mental illness after his first year at Kendall School of Design where he majored in Illustration.  Interested in art from early childhood he sought out opportunities and awards through high school.  High School gradation followed by acceptance to Kendall was a dream come true.  Unfortunately the Side Effects to Mental Illness slowed down John’s dream causing him to leave the school. 

That was not the end to John’s story for he was as persistent in mental health recovery as in his art work.

Two Mental Health workers knew of John’s talent and commissioned him to create artwork specifically for a soon to be renovated board room at Summit Pointe.  John was excited and nervous but definitely up to the challenge.  The commissioning resulted in seven paintings now on display in the newly renovated board room.  Mr. Galloup had his first showing on September 7, 2004 from 4-6 PM and was applauded for his vibrant creative pieces.  The title of the eight piece grouping is “Who We Are” which is the result of John’s personal history, mental illness and health in general, and the impact of the various faces of Summit Pointe providers. 

Featured below are Mr. Galloup's paintings from the Summit Pointe Board Room.

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When I Break Down

 

 

 

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Last modified: 09/23/05