Fresh A.I.R. Gallery

A gallery space and project initiated by the non-profit Southeast Healthcare, Fresh A.I.R. Gallery educates the public and works to break the mental health stigma by exhibiting the work of artists affected by mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Their name contains a hidden acronym, foundational to its core message: “Artists In Recovery.” Art has long been considered as a tool to help ameliorate mental illness, as it can provide an outlet for self-expression, a way to quiet symptoms, and quell intrusive or unwanted thoughts. However, artists living with debilitating mental health conditions and neurological disorders— and with substance use disorders, which frequently co-occur— are often unable to pursue or showcase their talents. Invasive symptoms, unemployment, and other barriers preclude many opportunities in the fine arts. Widespread stigma and misunderstanding also encourage these artists to remain in the shadows, their work unseen by the public. Fresh A.I.R. Gallery exists to change this reality.

Group and solo exhibitions through Fresh A.I.R. have challenged harmful preconceptions and stigma around mental health, fostered empathy and community-building, and highlighted the tremendous abilities of those living with mental illness and substance use disorders for visitors by providing them with access to materials, hands-on training, connections to professional opportunities, and public venues to showcase their work. For the artists themselves, the exhibits have been a vital part of their recovery and healing journeys— renewing confidence, providing visibility, and opening doors to new opportunities.

City

Columbus

Country

United States

Region

N. America

Year of Creation

2004

Featured Project

SEEN Studios

SEEN Studios is a grant-funded art studio and exhibit space that opened in 2017. In the studio, Fresh A.I.R. artists create and display artwork in a supportive, inspiring, and empowering environment surrounded by a community of creators who motivate them to continue through their recovery journeys with compassion and patience. SEEN Studios aims to facilitate artistic development through multidisciplinary collaborations and learning. The studio is a place for artistic inspiration in the thriving arts community of Columbus, and seeks to support all of the city’s inhabitants, no matter where they find themselves in life.

SEEN Studios

Resources

Exhibition Archive:

“Exhibit Archive.” Fresh A.I.R. Gallery, Southeast Healthcare, southeasthc.org/services/freshairgallery/exhibit-archive/.

Articles:

Denman, Frances and Molly Goheen. “Fresh A.I.R. Gallery discusses bipolar disorder in new exhibit ‘Putting It All Together and Waiting for Calm’.” The Lantern, 21 Mar. 2023, https://www.thelantern.com/2023/03/fresh-a-i-r-gallery-discusses-bipolar-disorder-in-new-exhibit-putting-it-all-together-and-waiting-for-calm/.

LaShawn, Paulina. “Art of Recovery Event at the Columbus Museum of Art Benefits the Fresh A.I.R. Gallery.” Columbus Monthly, 10 Apr. 2023, https://www.columbusmonthly.com/picture-gallery/lifestyle/around-town/2023/04/10/art-of-recovery-party-columbus-museum-art-benefits-fresh-air-gallery/11637867002.

Starker, Melissa. “‘Anniversary Exhibition’ assembles works of past clients of recovery program.” The Columbus Dispatch, 14 Jun. 2015, https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/events/2015/06/12/anniversary-exhibition-assembles-works/23604173007/.

Interviews:

“Ask the Expert: The Intersection of Art and Racial Inequality.” Otterbein University, 26 Sep. 2022, https://www.otterbein.edu/news/ask-the-expert-the-intersection-of-art-and-racial-inequality/.

Mack, Marsha. “AJ Heckman Demonstrates Bipolar Disorder as Artistic Inspiration.” CityPulse, http://citypulsecolumbus.com/aj-heckman-demonstrates-bipolar-disorder-as-artistic-inspiration/.

Mack, Marsha. “Marla Morris on Overcoming Obstacles with Art.” CityPulse, https://citypulsecolumbus.com/marla-morris-fresh-air-gallery/.

Video:

“Fresh A.I.R. Gallery’s Anniversary Exhibit.” Uploaded by Broad and High to YouTube3 Jun. 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l00D_ei3bSA.

“Fresh A.I.R. Gallery features Meira Berger’s ‘Putting It All Together and Waiting for Calm’.” Uploaded by Lantern TV to YouTube, 22 May 2023, https://youtu.be/Z2ypqwJgHi4?si=EN-9zy7e4myAxLEH.

More Information

freshairgallery.org

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