Art Show to Feature Artists Living with Mental-health Conditions

CHICOPEE — The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Massachusetts (NAMI Western Mass.) will unveil its sixth annual art show featuring the work of artists living with mental-health conditions on Wednesday, April 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Chicopee Public Library, 449 Front St. The exhibit will run through the end of April.

The art show, originated by Karen West, an artist and art teacher at Westfield High School, will feature art works for sale to the public, with all proceeds going to the artists.

“The NAMI Western Massachusetts art show is a wonderful venue for artists with lived experience with mental illness to have a showcase for their work,” West said. “It’s also an important opportunity to educate the public about the lives, creativity, and abilities of individuals in the Western Mass. community who are affected by this often-stigmatized illness.”

NAMI Western Mass. is an affiliate of the nation’s largest grass-roots mental-health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Headquartered in Agawam, NAMI Western Mass. provides support, education, advocacy, and hope for Western Mass. residents living with mental illness and their families and friends.