A Gallery Doing More Than Selling Fine Art J. Pepin Art Gallery isn ’ t just selling artwork; it is creating positive dialog around something that affects all of us … mental health. Located in Portland Oregon ’ s Pearl District, J. Pepin Art Gallery was founded in 2013 by Jennifer Haskins Pepin to reframe the perception of mental illness to be one of mental health. The idea originated after Jennifer was in the corporate world for 12 years living with bipolar disorder. The environment created many challenges trying to maintain a good mental health and at that time, there was great misunderstanding of what mental health conditions meant and how they needed to be taken care of. Nobody talked about it. Eventually, it led to parting ways with the company and Jennifer began going to a Depression Bipolar Support Alliance support group. “ There was so much creativity in that meeting - writers, musicians, artists and I wanted to use that to start a positive dialog about mental health and break down the stigma that exists. ” Along with exhibiting their artwork, artists have written statements about how their own mental health may be supported by their creativity. Jennifer hopes these statements help others know they are not alone and that they feel better talking about their own mental health and taking care of it. When the gallery first opened it was focused around specific mental health conditions but that conversation has evolved. Although Jennifer personally lives with bipolar disorder, she feels strongly that it is not about diagnosis. “ We all have a mental health, as we do a physical health. I hope that if
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator