In this episode we look at two arts related projects specifically aimed at self expression, arts in mental health.

In Part 1 we will be speaking with two members of artist-run Gallery Gachet, based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Collective members Quin Martins and Lisa Walker join us as they talk about the mandate of the gallery and the upcoming exhibition.

In Part 2 we speak with Ellen Ostofsky and John Burghardt about the Touched by Fire program and the recent exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

We will also have 2010 East Coast Music Award Double Nominee, Coco Love Alcorn live in studio with her soulful sounds, witty lyrics and engaging banter.

In case you missed the show live, you can listen to the recorded broadcast at the bottom of this post.

GALLERY GACHET

- Gallery Gachet is a unique artistic institution founded in Vancouver in 1992. Named after Vincent Van Gogh’s homeopathic doctor, Paul Gachet.

- Gallery Gachet strives to provide a focal point for dialogue amongst outsider/dissident artists.

- We aim to use the canvas of the outside work to educate and demystify the public on issues related to mental health and to advance the artistic discourse around these issues.

- We provide the artists informed by mental health issues with opportunities to exhibit, curate, perform, read, teach and to develop their leadership skills.

Located at 88 East Cordova Street, close to the diverse populations that reside in Vancouver’s neighborhoods.

TOUCHED BY FIRE

Touched By Fire is a program to stimulate and celebrate the work created by artists with mood disorders. (There are many such artists well known in art history, from Michelangelo to van Gogh, Gauguin to Georgia O’Keefe.) The program has two complementary features: an annual week-long show, held every year November, and this online virtual gallery.

Touched By Fire is not a fund-raising effort, but a non-profit program dedicated exclusively to the work and future development of its artists.

Touched by Fire is a dedication to Rebecca Burghardt who tragically took her own life in July 2005. Family and friends were devastated – but also, they were determined to continue Rebecca’s struggle, seeking happier pathways for others with similar talents and similar problems. Rebecca’s illness had already led her father, John Burghardt, to become deeply involved as a communications volunteer with the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario. The family decided to make a bequest to MDAO in Rebecca’s name.

John, Rebecca’s father, met with Karen Liberman, Executive Director of MDAO, and Rebecca DiFilippo, Editor/Publisher of Moods Magazine, seeking to build not just a memorial, but a road forward against mood disorders. The result is Touched By Fire.


COCO LOVE ALCORN

Coco Love Alcorn, who was recently nominated for two 2010 East Coast Music Awards is our live in studio musical guest. You can also see her in concert Saturday December 12th at the RIO Theatre. cocolovealcorn.com

Broadcast Date: Monday December 7th, 7pm CJSF 90.1 FM, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Listen live on-line cjsf.ca

Archived episode below. May take a moment to load.

Part 1 (30 mins)

Part 2 (30 mins)

Congratulations to James F. who won two tickets to Coco’s concert on Saturday December 12th at the RIO Theatre.