PEABODY – A traveling pop-up art exhibit has a new permanent home at the Northshore Mall. “I Am More,” a community conversation about mental health, all started with one artist’s struggle — and the outpouring of support that followed.
“As great as that feeling made me think, I want everyone to remember that I am more than just the depression I’m dealing with. That’s just a small part of who I am. I wondered if other people who faced challenges the same way,” artist Amy Kerr recalled, sharing her depression on social media in 2017.
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The collection features Amy’s portraits, with the words of her subjects. Real, recognizable stories about our neighbors who are more than their diagnosis, disability or addiction.
The bright location next to Newbury Comics complements the exhibition’s youth focus. Young shoppers can come for music, stay for art, and leave with help or hope, if they need it.
“For the support groups and hotlines, there is a QR code so kids can come with their phone, and it will take them to the resources they need,” Kerr explains.
CBS Boston
Featured student art
The gallery will feature new portraits of I Am More founder Amy Kerr, original artwork by student artists from Essex County, high school through college, and professional artists. A display of Salem State students will be included next month. The warmth and creativity of the work is an unintimidating invitation to free and easily accessible support.
“With COVID, with social media, with polarization in society, there is a greater need and awareness. There is a lot of tension in the community,” said NAMI Greater North Shore President Chris Sadkowski.
Mental health resources available
Some of the resources shared in addition to the art include:
• 24/7 hotline for suicide prevention, domestic violence, sexual assault, substance abuse
• Courses for caregivers of people with dementia
• Grief support
• Counseling for LGBTQIA+ youth
• Addiction recovery support
• Home visits for new parents
• Support groups for postpartum depression
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 988 | Text “NAMI” to 741741 for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling | If you call 911: Ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer
July McDonald
