The Three Lakes Arts Center is participating in Mental Health Awareness Month with a number of activities.
Erica Pertile is gallery manager at the Center. She says they have a traveling exhibit from the Northwest Passage, a therapeutic nature photography program called "In A New Light".
Northwest Passage is a residential mental health treatment center for youth in Webster, Wisconsin...
"...they use a comprehensive approach to their therapy. It's using art, it's using behavioral therapy, it's using nature and relaxation. They touch base on nutrition and exercise and healthy relationships community service and spirituality. So they use a whole approach to helping these teens through the difficulties...."
That display is at the Center all month. On Saturday, May 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. the Center will host a free artist reception open to the public with Ian Karl from Northwest Passage. A free screening of the documentary film "Paper Tigers" will follow at 7:00 p.m. The film follows six troubled teens over the course of a year at an alternative school, showing what a caring adult can mean for troubled youth. P
ertile says during the May 13 event, she would like attendees to help stop the stigma concerning mental illness...
"....during the May 13 reception I would like to try to get the audience involved in taking the stigma-free pledge try to stop the stigma..."
The gallery at the Three Lakes Center For The Arts is open Thursday, Frideay and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and any time the theater is open for films or events. The Center is in downtown Three Lakes. A link to Northwest Passage ishere. The Center's website is here.
