“Originally, this was going to be a giant circus of an event.” 

Sara Maximus is speaking about Unmasked, an interactive exhibit featuring local artists in support of mental health. 

“I met Heide [Owens, co-creator of the event] when I was being treated for an eating disorder,” she says. “We became friends and we coloured a lot.”

The idea behind Unmasked is to shed light on mental illness, which many people struggle with but are unable to speak about openly. 

As Maximus began working through her anxiety issues, she found art to be an extremely useful tool for expressing thoughts that were not as easy to articulate through words. She worked with such books as Drawing from Within by Lisa Hinz, as well as others with exercises more specific to her needs, directed towards getting over traumatic experiences.

Maximus is a perfect host for the event, given that she is so open to sharing her story.

“I’ve learned to take the shame out of it,” she says. “But life isn’t obstacle-free, and planning an art exhibit when you are working through an anxiety disorder can be rough… It’s a kick in the ass is what it is.

“I started working on this when I was in an up peak, but now I am freaking the shit out! It’s definitely bigger than me and we’ve been kind of pulled by the snowball we created. I am very lucky that so many people have been interested in helping out.”

Though the exhibit has been stripped down from the original concept, it will still be packed with art and entertainment. Nearly 20 artists will be contributing to the event, and there will be interactive displays, live painting, interpretive dance, as well as people presenting the concept of mandalas – a symbol in Buddhism representing the universe – to those who wish to work with them.

The event, to be held Nov. 9 at FRAME Arts Warehouse (318 Ross Ave.), is alcohol free. 

“Many people with mental health issues are also working through addiction, so this is one less thing for them to worry about,” Maximus says.

Maximus plans to present four pieces of pencil crayon drawings, but warns that because they come from a very personal place they may not be “all happy or fun” and some may be too personal to sell. 

Heide plans to share three or four pieces, though she is still choosing favourites from an extensive collection.

The event would be an excellent place to go if you are someone who is looking for creative ways to work toward better mental health. There will be brochures and an art therapist on site.

At the end of our time, Maximus and Heide shared big smiles and a sigh of relief. 

“We did it!” says Maximus cheerfully. “We’ve been vibrating about this all morning.”

Published in Volume 68, Number 10 of The Uniter (November 6, 2013)