Since January of 2017, when I got off the couch and started drawing, the purpose of I Am More has been to remind people (and myself) that we are more than our mental struggles. Twenty-five people have shared their faces and their words for your benefit. Thirteen organizations and businesses have opened their spaces to these portraits and stories for the benefit of their clients and patrons. Six people told their stories live in front of a standing-room only audience.

Eleven more people will be sharing their experiences as part of I Am More: Massachusetts. Thirteen more schools, treatment centers, performing arts spaces, community centers and libraries are on board to host the portraits and stories through 2019.

Having these touching portraits hung in our food pantries and meal programs provided access to this meaningful exhibit to almost 8,000 vulnerable clients in a community setting.

– Marcia Hubbard, Business/Human Resources Manager, The Open Door Food Pantry and Community Supper

Now it’s time for me to ask for help.

I can travel, meet, draw, edit, write, publish, advertise, print and Iain can hang the displays, but the reality is I have to pay for travel, art supplies, framing, printing, hanging supplies, outreach, website, and living expenses which amounts to $2K per portrait.

I can’t even put into words how moving it is to read these entries.  Thank you to everyone for sharing their stories. I swear, it makes me go about my day with much more empathy for total strangers. You never know what someone is going through.

If you believe the messages of I Am More are making a difference in people’s lives, I could use your help to support the project. I’m very lucky to have Ocean Alliance as a fiscal sponsor so that your donation is fully tax-deductible. Any amount is helpful to keep  the project moving forward.

The headlines in our local and national papers are a reminder that we need messages of hope, healing and community now more than ever. I can’t do this without help, so thank you for making I Am More possible.

Checks can be made payable to Ocean Alliance (with I Am More written on the memo line) and sent to 3 Ledge Road, Gloucester, MA 01930.