For many who struggle with mental health conditions, art plays a vital role in their journey to wellness. This is true for Boston-based, award-winning musician and poet Meg Hutchinson, as well as two young local artists, who will bring their artistic talents to a room of 150+ mental health supporters on Thursday, October 29, 2015 for the “Art of Well Being: Engaging Young Adults in Hope & Recovery,” at Mohegan Sun.
Produced by Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) and established in 2013, the “Art of Well Being” series explores the infinite ways in which art impacts mental health and wellbeing while also promoting recovery. This year’s event is free to guests, with any voluntary donations supporting MHC, a non-profit committed to promoting mental wellness and early diagnosis of mental health conditions.
The event will commence with an opening reception at 6:00p.m. in the beautiful Cabaret Theatre at Mohegan Sun, made possible by venue sponsor KÔTA. 
Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts) Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba of the Mohegan Tribe, Chairman Kevin Brown “Red Eagle” of the Mohegan Tribal Council and leadership from Mental Health Connecticut will welcome guests and introduce the evening’s performers.
As an exploration of the recovery journey for young adults, the performances will begin with two local Connecticut artists, Daniel Feldshon of the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies and Jessica Goldman of NAMI Connecticut. Daniel and Jessica will each share their personal journeys of living with mental health conditions and how art has become an integral part of their lives.
The evening’s featured speaker, Meg Hutchinson of Red House Records, is a musician, poet, and documentary filmmaker. 
Hutchinson tours nationally, has released eight albums and won numerous songwriting awards in the US, Ireland and the UK. She has been described as delivering, “music as powerful as it is gentle.” She is also a member of the Active Minds Speakers Bureau, working to change the conversation about mental health at colleges nationwide.
Nine years ago Hutchinson suffered what can only be called a frightening break with reality. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it became a turning point in Hutchinson’s journey of understanding, and accepting her mental health condition which is featured in the new documentary “Pack Up Your Sorrows: A Story of Illness, Hope & Transformation.”
During the event, Hutchinson will show the trailer for her documentary, perform original music, and share her personal story. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase Hutchinson’s music and merchandise, with a portion of the proceeds going towards Mental Health Connecticut.
The event will also include artwork displayed by members of Mental Health Connecticut’s Independence Center (IC) in Waterbury. Through the IC, people with mental health conditions are developing the essential social, work and wellness skills they need to create a vibrant, independent life. Guests will have an opportunity to participate in the “Sponsor an Easel, Support an Artist” program, with contributions funding art supplies and education for IC members. With a sponsorship, supporters can choose to have an engraved plaque with their name placed on one of the IC easels. This plaque will be proudly displayed as we continue to showcase the art of our members.
