Mixed Media

Inside Out, an annual art exhibition and fundraiser that calls attention to issues of mental illness

The first full week of October is National Mental Illness Awareness week. Inside Out, an annual art exhibition and fundraiser, uses art to call attention to issues surrounding mental illness; it takes place from Thursday, Oct. 8, through Saturday, Oct. 10, at two Railyard venues: James Kelly Contemporary Art (1611 Paseo de Peralta) and Tai Modern (1601 Paseo de Peralta).

Since it was established in 2013 as a program of the Compassionate Touch Network — a Santa Fe-based advocate and support organization for those dealing with mental illness — Inside Out has promoted works by residents at Casa Milagro, which has a therapeutic program that engages participants with mental illness in gardening, art making, cooking, and other activities; Casa Cerrillos, a supportive living program that fosters self-reliance for those with mental and physical illness; the Clubhouse at Life Link Santa Fe, a community mental health center and outpatient treatment program; and ArtStreet in Albuquerque, a community-based art therapy program. Artists receive the proceeds from the sale of their work.

The exhibition opens with a ticketed preview event at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, catered by Joseph’s of Santa Fe. Tickets for the preview are $50 and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com or at the door. VIP tickets for $100 are available and include early entry to the preview (at 4:30 p.m.) and priority seating at Minds Interrupted: Stories of Lives

Affected by Mental Illness, a performance at the James A. Little Theater on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. There is no charge to see the work on Friday and Saturday, on view during gallery hours. A portion of sales of works by notable “outsider” artists James Edward Deeds and Martin Ramirez benefit the Compassionate Touch Network, as well as 100 percent of proceeds from the sale of a donated print by photorealist painter Chuck Close. The show wraps up with an artist reception on Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. For information and a list of all events, visit www.inside-out.wix.com/ santafe. — Michael Abatemarco