The current exhibit being shown at the Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery is a powerful one you won’t want to miss. Fighting normal is a multi-discipline installation addressing the stigma of mental illness. 

Chairperson of the Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery, Tracey Cholin outlined how Amy Willans, an award winning mental health advocate is sharing her story and how she got to where she is now.  

“She was the girl who kind of had it all. She was on the Canadian National skating team; she was going to university to be a nurse. She came from a family where her mom was a nurse and I believe her dad was a doctor. When she was in university, she was dating the football team’s quarterback and just became overwhelmed and so, she has a story about how mental illness can affect anyone, even in good circumstances.” 

Laurie MacFayden is the artist collaborating with Willans, with her art depicting the story being told. 

“Amy Willans has suffered from mental health issues and on her road to recovery she started writing poetry and during a writing workshop she met Laurie. They decided after they'd known each other for many years, they decided to have this collaboration.” 

The two presented it together to the public and explained the artwork and how the journey started. Every year 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental health concern.  

Fighting Normal is on exhibit until October 21st at the Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery.