Art without limits: AMI’s annual show celebrates creativity, recovery and second chances
About 17 years ago, AMI Inc., of Washington and Greene counties discovered an exceptionally talented artist who was using his work to illustrate frightening hallucinations he was experiencing.
It was the beginning of something much bigger.
AMI soon discovered other artists, photographers and sculptors who were using creativity as a form of expression, wellness and coping. What began as a small effort to give one client a voice grew into what is today–a highly anticipated showcase of art and poetry.
From cubicles to a ballroom
AMI is a peer-run nonprofit specializing in programs centered around recovery, self-advocacy, and building support networks in the community.
The annual art show began modestly, with art displayed in cubicles at AMI’s small agency. Before long, the artwork outgrew the building. The show was held at several locations before finding a home at the Washington Elks’ ballroom, which has been donated for the event for three consecutive years.
The latest art show will be next Wednesday in the Elks ballroom at 138 E. Maiden St., in Washington.
This year, the show will include a new group of artists. For the first time, AMI is working with the warden at the Washington County jail who is submitting work created by inmates who identify as having mental health and substance abuse issues.
“We are so excited to help break the stigmas associated with the judicial system as an addition to the crisis intervention training we offer to local law enforcement and first responders,” said Katherine Ranko, AMI’s director of Family Navigator and Peer Services.
Ranko sees the difference it makes to the artists involved.
“I’ve watched people come to the show, nervous to have their work displayed and then watch their face when someone stops to admire it,” she said. “These moments are why I keep doing this.”
Two artists, different styles
Jeremiah Roberts knows firsthand how powerful art can be.
He started out as a client and contributing artist, and now serves on the art committee.
He has been specializing in digital art for 11 years, using it as both a creative outlet and a way to cope with anxiety.
“When I was really depressed, it kept me grounded and it was the right fit because I’ve been drawing for most of my life,” Roberts said.
Roberts credits AMI with encouraging him to pursue his passion for art that reflects his moods and makes his burdens lighter.
His art is often dark, even macabre, evoking images of nightmares.
“It gets brighter, or darker, depending on how things are going,” he said.
Roberts worked for AMI for five years and witnessed the agency’s impact.
“They helped me a lot and when things got better, they offered me a job. Since then, I’ve been able to move forward,” he said.
For Kevin Crivelli, photography provides a different kind of escape.
Crivelli relies on photography to decompress, often venturing into nature to capture shots of wildlife. Over the years, he’s held a variety of jobs, from car sales, to performing as a disc jockey, but has found the greatest satisfaction in helping others, first at Lighthouse for Men and now at AMI.
“I’m always going to be in the field of helping people,” he said.
Incredible artists
This is Ranko’s 11th art show, but she says the experience always holds surprises.
“I still get emotional when I see that room come together and know what it took for some of our artists just to submit that piece,” she said. “It never becomes ordinary to me.”
What Ranko hopes visitors will take away is an appreciation for the individuals behind the work.
“Mental health may be a part of their story, and for some, creating is part of how they survive, cope and heal, but their diagnosis is not what makes them worthy of being seen,” she said.
“It’s never been about displaying art made by people with mental illness. Rather it’s about displaying incredible art made by incredible artists.”
Over the years, Ranko has witnessed people go from needing tremendous amounts of support, to living independently, attending college and thriving.
“I’ve watched people take experiences that were frightening and turn them into art,” she said. “People will surprise you when you stop putting ceilings on them. Every year I think I know what to expect and every year someone submits something that stops me in my tracks.”