Finding a community through creative expression for those living with mental illness was the goal when Elise Sanford founded the Athens Photographic Project in 2000.
The APP is a nonprofit organization that offers introductory and advanced-level photography classes at the Dairy Barn Arts Center, 8000 Dairy Ln., to about 40 students living with mental illness.
Nate Thomson, executive director of APP, said the organization wants to provide those living with mental illness a chance to share their voice and perspective, which sometimes hasn’t been valued equally.
“Every person in the program has a very rich emotional, intellectual and imaginative life,” Thomson said. “It’s taking that and providing a bridge to share them.”
Despite the commonality of having mental illness, it is rare that the students discuss their experiences in the classes, Thomson said.
“These classes are about identifying them as a whole person,” he said.
The classes meet four days a week during the semester and the APP provides all the materials students might need, such as cameras and access to printing.
“It has been amazing how much interest there is,” Thomson said. “The majority of people were on a waiting list for over a year.”
The students’ work is on display during their annual holiday show in December and an exhibit in May, which normally gathers 200 to 300 people.
“First-time students feel really acknowledged and kind of in awe at the exhibits,” Thomson said. “The advanced students take these exhibits as a chance to refine what they want to say with their artwork.”
Dr. Sheila Williams, a counselor at Counseling and Psychological Services, said she believes the APP to be a worthwhile project.
“Therapy relies on verbal expression, but for those who may not be verbal, artistic expression helps,” Williams said.
Williams also said it helps build the self-esteem of those living with mental illness when they see how many people came out to show support at the exhibit.
“It makes them realize they are a valuable member of society,” she said.
It’s a sentiment that Thomson shares.
“People learn about themselves and how amazing they are,” he said. “They don’t just identify themselves as a diagnosis.”
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