PEABODY — The art of Gloucester artist Amy Kerr will be part of the exhibit at the grand opening of the I Am More Mental Health Resource Center & Gallery at Northshore Mall on Thursday, May 9, from 5:30-7 p.m. in front of Macy’s. The public is invited.
“The original purpose of ‘I Am More’ was to remind the viewer that we are more than our challenges. It’s asking, what else are you besides your mental challenges or life situation? Those were the messages in over 50 portraits, but now just as important is directing viewers to the free resources available on the North Shore, especially for those who can’t find or afford traditional therapists. There are support groups and services in every community,” Kerr said.
Kerr’s project has toured different locations monthly since 2018, including 10 malls. She reached out to Northshore Mall to see if the project could remain and also if it would create a permanent mental health resource center with space for more local organizations as well as guest artists.
Participating non-profits are NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), The NAN Project, North Shore Postpartum Help, NAGLY (North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ Youth), Cancer Support Community MA, SeniorCare, Core Recovery, Younity Access Center, North Shore Mother Visiting Partnership, Art Works, and La House.
Visitors can find information about free support groups, counseling, art therapy and peer mentoring north of Boston. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions about their services. There also will be takeaway cards for the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line and 24/7 hotlines providing support for domestic abuse, substance abuse and sexual assault.
The gallery will feature artwork from Essex County students from middle school through college, plus professional artists, including recent “I Am More” portraits from founder Amy Kerr.
“We’re grateful for Northshore Mall and Simon for generously continuing to provide space for this pressing issue of our time, and to the artists and portrait subjects for sharing their faces and stories for the common good,” wrote Kerr in an artist statement.