J. Pepin Art Gallery is a contemporary art gallery reframing the perception of mental illness to be one of mental health. Along with their work, the artists share their own journeys with mental health creating a much needed dialog. We all have a mental health, as we do a physical health, and we shouldn't be ashamed to talk about it.
Located in Portland, Oregon's Pearl District, it was founded in September 2013 by Jennifer Pepin who lives with bipolar disorder. After personally experiencing prejudice and witnessing the negative perception many have of mental illness, she began going to a support group where she heard similar stories of people faced with stigma.
At the same time, she was overwhelmed by the creativity that existed in the room. She opened the gallery to use this creativity to start a positive conversation around mental health and fight the negative portrayal that so frequently exists.
We all have a mental health to take care of and Jennifer wants to set an example that it is safe to talk about it. It is important people have tools to support their mental health and for many that is creativity. Jennifer hopes this gallery will inspire people to find their own ways to maintain good mental health whether that be through art or something else and that it empowers people to tell their story and look at mental health in a different way.
Jennifer believes that working together the landscape of mental health can be one of hope, dreams, and believing in a more accepting world.
Hope you come visit us soon!
Hope, Dream, Believe
Located in Portland, Oregon's Pearl District, it was founded in September 2013 by Jennifer Pepin who lives with bipolar disorder. After personally experiencing prejudice and witnessing the negative perception many have of mental illness, she began going to a support group where she heard similar stories of people faced with stigma.
At the same time, she was overwhelmed by the creativity that existed in the room. She opened the gallery to use this creativity to start a positive conversation around mental health and fight the negative portrayal that so frequently exists.
We all have a mental health to take care of and Jennifer wants to set an example that it is safe to talk about it. It is important people have tools to support their mental health and for many that is creativity. Jennifer hopes this gallery will inspire people to find their own ways to maintain good mental health whether that be through art or something else and that it empowers people to tell their story and look at mental health in a different way.
Jennifer believes that working together the landscape of mental health can be one of hope, dreams, and believing in a more accepting world.
Hope you come visit us soon!
Hope, Dream, Believe
Photo by Sara Jane Stewart