For the month of February Make.shift will offer Bellingham the opportunity to “stick their tongues out to distress.” We aim to explore the jovial comradery that is created by a chemical imbalance. We called out to artists in the community to share work inspired by living with mental illnesses, with a comedically defiant twist. As many of us here in Washington state can relate to mental illness, most of us can probably identify with the utter absurdity of the obstacles associated with mental illness. The lighthearted, sometimes silly acceptance of the realities we face, oftentimes guide us through what can be otherwise devastating.
Make.shift welcomes guest curator, Javier Berzal de Dios, for this exhibition. Javier is an associate professor of Art History at Western Washington University. His work explores connections between visual arts, philosophy, and literature. His last publication was Visual Experiences in Cinquecento Theatrical Spaces, a book that studies Renaissance theatre architecture and design focusing on the spectators’ experiences. “Art and humor have always
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been reliable allies in my struggles with mental illness,” says Javier, “and I hope to bring cheer and encouragement to our community with this exhibition.”
During February’s especially dark days, “join us in finding the humorous and joyful that hides behind the turmoil and gloom.”
If you are struggling with mental illness, please know there are people who can help. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a list of resources available on their website: nami.org/Find-Support. We love you and you are not alone.

The opening will be on Art Walk Friday, February 7th from 6-10pm​. ​For more information about the Art Walk or Make.Shift please visit our website at makeshiftproject.com or contact Gallery Director, Gabrielle Olson, at gallery@makeshiftproject.com.
About Make.shift: Make.Shift Art Space is a 501 ©3 nonprofit DIY venue dedicated to providing a space for all-ages art and music in Bellingham. The 8,000-square-foot space includes 21 studios, an award-winning gallery, a live music performance space and a low-power radio station KZAX 94.9. We are an all-ages space dedicated to a policy of no booze, no drugs, no jerks.
Accessibility Information: Make.Shift strives to create a safe and inviting space for all to enjoy and utilize. There are two ramps at Make.Shift: one at the front door that provides access to the gallery, office, upstairs studios, and bathrooms. All of these doorways are 3’ wide. The other leads to the basement and provides access to the stage and main concert area. This doorway is 3’ 5”.
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Make.shift February Art Walk
WHAT: “Always Look on The Bright Side of Mental Illness”
WHEN: Friday, February 7th, 2020 6-10PM
WHERE: Make.Shift Art Space 306 Flora St. in downtown Bellingham
COST: Free!
CONTACT: Gabrielle Olson gallery@makeshiftproject.com
IMAGES: https://www.canva.com/join/big-pods-speedboat
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/makeshiftproject
INSTAGRAM: @make.shiftartspace
KILL DATE: Saturday, Feb 28, 2020