TORONTO—The Secret Handshake, a peer support program for people with schizophrenia, is putting on its first art exhibit.
The exhibit, which opened last Sunday with a silent auction, includes paintings, drawings, and photographs.
The group is using art as a way for its members and supporters to express themselves to the community.
David Baitment, an organizer and contributor to the exhibit, says the art exhibit features a variety of styles.
“My work is mostly abstract acrylic painting, and I have some photos as well and one sculptural collage,” he said.
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He pointed to work from another fellow artist who does mostly portraits, saying his paintings are more representative with an abstract feeling to them.
Ericka Villanger, whose son was a writer with schizophrenia and passed away while undergoing treatment, came to the exhibit to meet the peer group.
“I didn’t know such a thing existed until now,” said Villanger, who heads a non-profit organization seeking to integrate schizophrenic people back into society.
The Secret Handshake is the first peer support program for people with schizophrenia created by people with schizophrenia. It is endorsed by a number of prominent health care professionals and executives of societies such as Schizophrenia Society of Ontario and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
The exhibit is located at 189 Mutual Street in downtown Toronto and runs through the month of July. Viewing is free and by appointment.
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