Behind the Mask is the theme for our 8th annual Inside Out Art Auction. Our 22 featured artists identify as living with a mental illness and the strengths and challenges that brings. When our artists chose this theme, they not only talked about the masks we are required to wear to protect against Covid…but they also talked about the metaphorical masks they wear on a daily basis to protect themselves from being bullied, ignored and ostracized because they are different. 

Daniel Romero, #6780, acrylic on canvas, 24” h x 20” w, 2019 

During this time of extreme isolation, the artists reflected on how their art helps them to stay connected to one another and to their surrounding communities. In their artist statements, they speak powerfully about the value and power of art in their lives.

Testimonials

The following excerpts from the artist statements speak to the value and power of art in their lives:

• “Inside Out has supported my efforts in crawling out of the trauma of my past, inspiring me, and giving me an avenue for realizing my dreams as an artist.”—J.D. 

• “Art gives me a vehicle to express myself and be heard in what often is a large and challenging world.”—C.M.

• “The committee inside my head chatters constantly, never shuts up. I knew it would complain and try to boycott, filibuster any activity that requires concentration, focus and talent, but when I paint, it quiets down, it relaxes. . . . I can stay focused."  —G.D.

• "I paint the visions in my head to help erase the loneliness."—D.R. 

• “The best parts of this experience for me are the camaraderie of our art group and how this auction shows our community in a light that most people don’t expect.”—D.T.

The artworks in this auction communicate universal human experiences of emotion and the physical environment of the artists, which for all in the show, is New Mexico.

Who: 

Our twenty-two artists are: Arlaina Ash, Paul Nathan Beck, Carmen Contreras, Gabriel De Pablo, Jodi Drinkwater, Katelyn Feldman, Stephen Finkenauer, Lynn Friel, Kimberlee Gonzales, Allie Hannah-Rose, Andie Joy,  C. Meek, Johnny Mondragon, Jeanelle Moore, Patricia Nace, Sarah Patterson, Melinda Pineda, Daniel Romero, Victoria Smith, David Mario Trujillo, Valerie Webster, and Damian Z.

We want to thank our art teacher Michele Relkin for bringing her heart and expertise to our group of artists. And a thank you to Jesus Trujillo for photographing the artwork for the auction. 

Proceeds & Taxes

All proceeds from the sale of this auction will be split 50/50 between Breaking the Silence New Mexico and the artists. 

50% of the sale price is tax deductible as allowed by law.

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Pick-Up Information

For your convenience, we will have two pick-up places (Albuquerque & Santa Fe). Please see our designated pick-up times below: 

Santa Fe (Location: LifeLink Clubhouse, 1318 Luana St, Santa Fe 87505) 

Wednesday, May 12, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Thursday, May 13, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
 

Albuquerque (Location: Breaking the Silence New Mexico Office, 4810 Hardware Dr NE, Suite #2, Albuquerque 87109)

Wednesday, May 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday, May 13, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

If you need to make special arrangements for pick-up, let us know. 

You must contact us if you are unable to pick up your items by 2:00pm on May 13th. Otherwise, we will assume you will not be picking up your item and we will contact the next highest bidders. Your original payment will not be refunded.

Shipping Information

If you live out of town, you will be responsible for all shipping costs, including packing and insurance. You will have the final shipping cost added to the total amount charged to your card when we process your purchase. We will coordinate this with you in the days after the auction concludes.

We will be shipping items out as soon as possible, but expect that your item(s) will take 2-4 weeks to deliver. You will be notified as soon as your package has shipped. 

Returns

We would like to limit the chances of any returns by ensuring that we accurately depict our products. To this end, we have used a professional to photograph the artwork. We ask that you use the photos and descriptions we provide to make a careful purchase. Due to the nature of the auction, we will only accept returns on damaged items during delivery. No returns on damaged items after 2 days of receiving. All sales are final in all other cases. Please contact us if you have any questions prior to your purchase (m.herling@breakingthesilencenm.org).

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BTSNM Mission

Breaking the Silence New Mexico is a nonprofit organization that promotes mental health literacy, advocacy, and well-being for teens, youth, and adults.

BTSNM Vision

Through education, personal stories, and the arts, our core programs share the goal of ending the stigma, shame, silence, and secrecy surrounding mental illness and suicide.

https://www.breakingthesilencenm.org/