Contact:
Dan Carpenter
(325) 673-4587
Marketing@thegracemuseum.org

Photography exhibit confronts stereotypes, reveals fragility

Anna

photography by Michael Nye

Abilene, TX (June 27, 2005) – Schizophrenia, depression, obsessive-compulsive, anxiety and bi-polar disorders are among the experiences explored in a compelling, multi-media exhibit by San Antonio photographer Michael Nye.

Fine Line: Mental Health/Mental Illness, which opens June 30 at The Grace Museum, is a documentary of voices stories and portraits that confronts stereotypes and reveals the courage and fragility of those living with mental illnesses.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Dian Graves Owen Foundation, Abilene Diagnostic Clinic, Bank of America, the Everett E. and Orabeth K. Woods Foundation, Betty Hardwick Center , Abilene Psychiatric Center , and the Mental Health Association.

Nye spent four years photographing and recording stories, and in simple and eloquent detail, the black-and-white portraits and voices draw viewers closer into each life by addressing and exploring many topics: family, confusion, pain, abuse, treatment, and healing.

“ Fine Line is incredibly powerful and unbelievably moving,” said Frances Wise, Executive Director of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in San Antonio , Texas . “It connects you with each individual in such a personal way. These compelling photographs and intimate voices will educate and change minds.”

Nye will open Fine Line with a Gallery Talk at 6 p.m. June 30. Following the Gallery Talk, a panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Jesse Fletcher, President Emeritus, Hardin-Simmons University, will discuss and answer questions on mental health issues facing children, adults and the elderly. Panel members include Dr. Renna Grewal, Betty Hardwick Center : A Community Mental Health Mental Retardation Resource; Dr. Francisco Vidal, Abilene Psychiatric Center ; Dr. Jessie Singh, Abilene Psychiatric Center; and Denise Brady, Director of Public Policy for the Mental Health Association in Texas.

In addition, from 6 to 7:45 p.m. every Thursday from July 7 to August 25, Mental Health professionals will be present in the Main Gallery to answer questions pertaining to the Fine Line: Mental Health/Mental Illness exhibition and mental health issues as part of the program titled Therapeutic Thursdays.

“I am very pleased to have Fine Line on exhibit at The Grace Museum,” said Nye. “ I ask each person coming into the gallery to listen carefully. Throw away your old definitions of mental illness and start over. Listen to each story as if it could be you or your child or your friend or some stranger you will meet tomorrow.”

Fine Line: Mental Health/Mental Illness will be on exhibit in The Grace's Main Gallery through August 27.

The Grace Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday. Admission is free Thursday evening after 5 p.m.

For more information, call 673-4587.

###