Winnipeg artists with mental illness mourn Williams’ passing

Winnipeg exhibit showcases work of artists with mental illness

CBC News | August 12, 2014

Emily Wasyluk is one of the artist who presented her work as part of Upbeat Artworks, an exhibit aimed at giving artists with mental illness a chance to showcase their work. (Claudie Emond/CBC)

The death of 63-year-old actor Robin Williams is being felt by artists suffering from mental illness here in Winnipeg.

• Winnipeggers react to death of Robin Williams
• Robin Williams dead in apparent suicide at 63

Upbeat Artworks, an Artbeat Studio project that allows artists suffering from mental illness the chance to showcase their work in a boutique, held its grand opening Tuesday morning.

“He was a brilliant artist,” said Bart. “You’ll find a lot of brilliant artists that have mental health issues and, unfortunately sometimes, depression, drug addiction can lead to really sad things.”

Bart said mental illness can be a silent killer.

Williams is believed to have taken his own life after suffering from depression. [hr]