Mental Health: The Many Parts of One | By Toni Jo Coppa

Fresh A.I.R. Gallery presents

The Many Parts of One

by Toni Jo Coppa

August 17 – September 23, 2016

Coppa explains that her work is both cathartic and socially motivated. “The disgraceful stigma of mental illness labels a person and puts them in a stereotyped group. I'm hoping to break the negative attitudes towards common mental conditions like depression, anxiety and/or addictive behaviors,” she says. “These disorders have affected my mood, thinking, behavior, and most
obviously my art. Conjuring my feelings into a tangible form helps me to identify and manage them more clearly.”


Toni Jo writes in her artist’s statement: “I have come to know the many distinct parts of me that make up the ‘Self.’ I chose the work in this exhibition to illustrate what these diverse parts (feelings and emotions) look like for me. When I express mental issues this way, I am able to objectify them (and even subjugate them, if necessary) for a new perspective. I am not an art therapist, but my work is indeed cathartic. Like Louise Bourgeois, I am inspired by a conflicted family life, the human condition, and psychoanalysis. I use materials and styles to best capture the part I am addressing.”


Toni Jo Coppa received her BFA degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, an MFA degree from the Maine College of Art, and was honored with a full scholarship to attend the prestigious Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture.

View more of Toni Jo’s work on her website: http://www.tonijocoppa.com/

_____________________________________________________________________

About Fresh A.I.R. Gallery

Fresh A.I.R. (Artists In Recovery) Gallery exhibits the works of individuals affected by mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. Through art, we educate the community and work to break down stigma of mental illness and substance abuse disorders by bringing focus to the artistic vision. Fresh A.I.R. Gallery opened its doors in September of 2004 to celebrate Southeast’s 25 year anniversary and typically sponsors between five and eight exhibits a year. Fresh A.I.R. Gallery is a project of Southeast Healthcare.

www.southeastinc.com
614.744.8110

131 N. High Street Columbus,
OH 43215


Gallery hours - Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Gallery Manager - Lauren Pond, (614) 225-0980
PR Contact - Myken Pullins, (614) 225-0980