Distraction Abstraction

Date: May 6, 2016
Contact: Kimberly Szewczyk, 315-568-2991

Seneca Falls, NY - Women's Rights National Historical Park is pleased to announce the opening of artist Roberta Estes' new art exhibit titled, "Distraction Abstraction – a bipolar odyssey." The exhibit will be on display in the park's gallery space now through June 30^th. Estes lives and creates her art in Seneca Falls and is known for her bold, bright, and colorful abstract paintings. Estes states, "Within the last year, I embarked on an introspective journey. For me, these paintings visually express the process of releasing layers - and years - of secrecy and censure. I believe now is the time for an open conversation about mental illness to challenge negative stigma and false perceptions. I am bipolar, but it is merely a distraction… it does not define me as a person: being an artist does."

The National Alliance for Mental Health has designated the month of May as Mental Health Month. The organization works to open the discussion on mental health and fights stigma, provides support, educates the public, and advocates for equal care. By highlighting these issues during May, it provides a time for people to come together and display the passion and strength of those working to improve the lives of Americans who are affected by mental health conditions. According to the organization, approximately 1 in 5 Americans will be affected by a mental health condition in their lifetime and every American is affected or impacted through their friends and family.

Estes further states, "The paintings in this exhibit represent a journey toward realization, and acceptance, that any designation concerning my mental health does not have the power to constrict nor define me. In the end, these paintings released me. They are distraction abstraction. No labels. No conflict. Just art. " An artist's reception for Roberta Estes will be held on Saturday, May 21^st from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the park's Visitor Center as part of the Seneca Falls Art Walk event.

Women's Rights National Historical Park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information about the park and upcoming programs, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/wori or call [phone]. Follow us on Facebook (@WomensRightsNPS) and Twitter (#WomensRightsNPS). Join the Friends of Women's Rights National Historical Park at www.womensrightsfriends.org.