Artwork Helps Alter Perceptions Of Mental Illness

Artwork Helps Alter Perceptions Of Mental Illness
By GAIL BRACCIDIFERRO | Special To The Courant
August 6, 2008
Dylan Croft and Robin Fleming are veterans of the theater. As longtime performers in the Second Step Players, a 50-member theater troupe that aims to bust myths, break down barriers and educate the public about people with psychiatric illnesses, they are seldom shy about acting in front of an audience.

But ask them to create a piece of visual art and they might not be as eager to express themselves.

"The audience gives you energy," Croft said about being on stage. "It can be very uplifting."

The process of getting into character for a stage production helps her overcome stage fright, Fleming said. Creating a piece of visual art is more difficult because it is such a personal exercise.
click post title for more