Mary Runkel

I grew up with a strong love for art and have been painting my whole life. But, as an adult I’ve also worked in health care for many years and saw first hand just how little goes into helping those with mental health issues. A heart attack victim is immediately given attention in the medical field, where as I’ve experienced first hand people turned away when stating they were suicidal. This is why I decided to to use my art to help support (I donate a portion of my arts revenue to mental health charities) and bring awareness to mental health issues. I want to change the way people not only think about mental heath but, also how they respond to it. Transform mental health into an uplifting embraceable concept that’s more obtainable for everyone so that no one fears being turned away. It takes all of you to ask for help with mental health, but just seconds to be turned away due to funding or not being taken seriously by others. Let’s stop losing lives and start making progress!

Self taught artist

(Oak Park ILLINOIS) OPAL: Under the Influence Exhibition dates: September 9 - October 1st 2020

All Art Works currently in gallery on exhibit online

Luxembourg art competition 2020 (certificate of achievement)

Evanston IL art competition 2020 (winter)