Changing Minds, an Auckland based not-for-profit organisation is presenting ‘Mental Blocks’, a FREE mixed-media exhibition at the Artstation Gallery at 1 Ponsonby Road from now until 13 March 2014. Mental Blocks features pieces from five talented and award winning artists from around New Zealand, which explore experiences of mental distress, addiction and homelessness. The exhibition aims to generate discussion and to provide a starting point for people to explore and challenge their perceptions about these issues. The artists were chosen by a panel of four judges, and received funding from the Mental Blocks Creative Grant Fund which is managed by Changing Minds, and include: Di Tocker, an award winning NZ Glass Artist. Di’s project is titled ‘Welcome to My World’, and involves two cast glass blocks each containing one figure, and explores the feelings of isolation often experienced by those with experience of mental illness, addiction and homelessness.. Mark Strachan and Justine Law are creating a stop-motion film that aims to give viewers some sense of the amazing and terrifying reality that people experiencing mental illness live in. Sarah Mokhtar who is working towards a Master of Design and Innovation, has been inspired by her older sisters experiences of hearing voices to create a wearable interactive installation device which simulates dynamic voices. Fraser Hoffe is the final winner, and is working on a series of capes for Mental Blocks, which celebrate the diverse human experience while demonstrating protection and the need to reconsider judgment of others. Changing Minds provides information and advocacy services to people who experience mental health and addiction issues. We believe creative expression is so often a part of a personal journey, as well as being a powerful medium to convey these experiences to others in the wider community, and also raising awareness and challenging stigma. Exhibition dates/times: Exhibition runs until 13 March 2014 Artstation Hours: Monday – Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday 9am-5pm, Satuday10am-4pm For more information please see www.changingminds.org.nz or contact Margaret Lockhart, Mental Blocks Project Leader on (09)623 1762 / 0212177377