Opening Minds is an opportunity for those whose lives have been impacted by mental illness to express themselves through the artistic medium. Artists share their personal mental health connection and story through their art.
We wish to give voices to those affected by mental illness whether it be personal, family, or loved ones. Artists share reflections on their experience with mental illness and ways of expressing recovery and hope. Mental illness impacts every one of us; one out of every four people will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their lives, including our loved ones, friends, and coworkers.
Our mission with this show is to educate the community and end stigma surrounding mental illness. The Opening Minds Community Art Show was first developed in 1995 to offer people with mental illness an avenue for personal expression and a venue to share art with the public. The show has since expanded to include the entire mental health community: those in recovery, their family and friends, service providers and more. TMHA's goal remains the same today: to help the community see that people should not be defined in terms of their illness but by their strengths, gifts and by the contributions they make to society.
Opening Minds 2018 Artists
Albert Rea
Alexandra Kelso
Alison Pfister
Anthony Benavidez
Brenda Mack
Cary B Goldman
Christine Cortese
David Tosh
Deanna Strachan-Wilson
Donna Long
Faust Mesias
Gary Wright
George Lepper
Glenn Jasechko
Gretchen Cowan
Isaac Seeley Wollman
Jessica Coates
Jimmy Niven
John Byers
Judy Creason
Kathleen Fox
Kimberly Beiler
Lela Whittier
Lori Munyon
Mary Ann Oliver
Michael Godfrey
Paula Delay
Rick Thomas
Shelayne Nicole
Sherree Anderson
Steve Schultz
Trevor Murchison
Trista Ochoa
Tyllila Best
Zoey Walsh
Exhibition Special Events
Art After Dark Paso Opening Reception
Saturday, May 5: 6 pm - 9 pm
Join us for this inspiring opportunity to shed light on mental health through art expression. The art, wine, and live music-filled evening features premium wines of Kiamie Wine Cellars and live music by Shelby Figueroa.
"CRAZYWISE" Movie
Thursday, May 17: Time TBD
In honor of Opening Minds Art Show, Park Cinemas offers a free screening of “CRAZYWISE.”
When a young person experiences a frightening break from reality, Western experts usually label it a "first-episode psychosis" while many psychologists and indigenous cultures consider it to be a "spiritual awakening". The documentary CRAZYWISE reveals alternative treatment approaches and a survivor-led movement challenging a mental health system in crisis.
About TMHA
Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family support services. We operate over 35 programs at locations throughout San Luis Obispo and North Santa Barbara counties. The emphasis of our innovative services is to teach vital independent living skills and help build a framework for community re-entry through personal empowerment and hands on experience. Since 1980, TMHA has been dedicated to providing work, housing, case management and life-skills support to teens and adults with mental illness while offering support, resources and education for their loved ones. For more information, visit www.t-mha.org.