J. Pepin Art Gallery is a contemporary art gallery reframing the perception of mental illness by exhibiting the work of professional artists alongside stories of their creative journeys. The gallery is breaking down stigma and inspiring people to think differently about mental health.
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. She hopes it empowers people to tell their story and look at mental health in a different way. Everyone has a mental health; just as everyone has a physical health. So, why are we afraid to talk about it?
With the artwork it features, J. Pepin Art Gallery has become known as a prominent gallery situated in the competitive art district of Portland. It has won awards for the work being done in the community to break down stigma.
Jennifer believes that working together the landscape of mental health can be one of hope, dreams, and believing in a more accepting world.
A portion of our proceeds will be donated to various organizations also focused on creating awareness and ending the stigma of mental illness.
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. She hopes it empowers people to tell their story and look at mental health in a different way. Everyone has a mental health; just as everyone has a physical health. So, why are we afraid to talk about it?
With the artwork it features, J. Pepin Art Gallery has become known as a prominent gallery situated in the competitive art district of Portland. It has won awards for the work being done in the community to break down stigma.
Jennifer believes that working together the landscape of mental health can be one of hope, dreams, and believing in a more accepting world.
A portion of our proceeds will be donated to various organizations also focused on creating awareness and ending the stigma of mental illness.
Hope you come visit us soon!
Hope, Dream, Believe
Photo by Sara Jane Stewart