Outsider: A Conversation on Mental Health and the Arts

Description

ArtVan Invites the Community to a Conversation on Mental Health and the Arts

Gallery exhibition, documentary, and panel discussion highlighting the powerful role of art in healing, expression, and community connection.

ArtVan, in partnership with LA Arts, the LA Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and the OUTSIDER Project, invites the public to OUTSIDER, a special community event exploring the intersection of mental health, community resilience, and the arts.

The OUTSIDER exhibit will feature a collection of original works by late artist and professional baseball player, Maury Ornest. An opening reception will take place on May 1, 2026 from 5:00–7:00pm at LA Arts in Lewiston and will feature a screening of the documentary OUTSIDER, a 40 minute award-winning documentary, and a panel discussion with community leaders and mental health professionals. The event is free and open to the public. 

OUTSIDER chronicles the extraordinary true story of Maury Ornest, whose life changed dramatically following his first psychotic break. Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, Ornest ultimately found refuge in painting. Over the course of his life, he created more than 1,400 artworks and thousands of journal pages, discovered after his passing. Narrated by comedian Gary Gulman and featuring interviews with those who knew him best, the film reveals how creativity became both a lifeline and a means of expression during his mental health journey. Viewers can learn more about Maury at https://www.mauryornest.com/.

Together, the exhibition, film, and discussion aim to spark meaningful dialogue about mental health while highlighting the powerful role of art in healing, expression, and community connection. 

One viewer from a Fall 2025 screening of OUTSIDER reflects on the impact of Maury’s work:

“I hope that all who get to see these vibrant marks he left behind feel inspired to express their emotions in some uninhibited way, to have the courage required to begin again after loss and failure, and to become intrepid curious explorers of their own inner worlds.”

A panel discussion will follow the screening, moderated by Ray Dumont, Executive Director, The Public Theatre, featuring:

• Dr. Yun Garrison, Practicing Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology, Bates College
• Laura Ornest, Maury Ornest’s sister and founder of OUTSIDER Project
• Jamie Silvestri, Founder and Program Director, ArtVan
• Gerald Walsh, Arts Agency Manager, LA Arts

The accompanying gallery exhibition will be on display May 1 through June 5, 2026 at the LA Arts Gallery, 168 Lisbon St. in Lewiston. All artwork will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting ArtVan’s art therapy programs.

To learn more about the event, visit artvanprogram.org/outsider.