In March of 2018 I walked through the snowy woods of southwestern Massachusetts with a complete stranger, Ryan. That walk, and our conversation, became the first portrait of I Am More: Massachusetts. This series of twenty portraits and essays from Gloucester, Newburyport, Wenham, Lynn, Mattapan, Reading, Burlington, Littleton, Mashpee, Westborough, Worcester, Lawrence, Feeding Hills, Amherst, Peabody and Leverett evolved from the original I Am More series of mostly local friends and acquaintances who shared with me, and you, how they were more than their mental illness, health diagnosis, physical disability and life situation.

These show that you don’t have to be perfect. People can express who they are. Thank you for giving us another place of hope.

Amazing, amazing! Work, thought, human-ness…thank you for making my day!

– comments from Acton Memorial Library display

I am now on the 20th portrait, so the drawing is nearly done. I am in the process of scheduling five regional displays around the state, in some pretty amazing places, to be announced. With your help I’ve raised $24,200 of my goal of $40,000, but now I need to close the gap.

To make these exhibits a reality I need to raise the final $15,800. These funds cover the cost of framing, labor, travel, transport, printing, outreach, and displays. I’ve worked to make sure these exhibits are hosted in the highest visibility locations in Boston, Amherst, Worcester, Lawrence and the North Shore to have the greatest impact on the public.

The fiscal sponsor of I Am More, Ocean Alliance, has made it very easy for you to make a tax-deductible donation in any amount by going to their donation page and choosing “I Am More” from the list of programs. You can also help by sharing this link on Facebook.

Here are the faces and stories you will be bringing to the public:

   Ryan

Carol

Ryan M

Heather

Jessica

Justin

Josh

Jessica Lee

Chris

Donna

David

Eliana

Maleeka

Joe

James

Arielle

Áine

Margot

Danny

If these individuals have inspired you to look at your life in a new light, please help me to bring them into the spaces where they can help others. Thanks so much for your support!

To make a tax-deductible contribution to I Am More: Massachusetts go to the Ocean Alliance donations page and choose “I Am More” from the list of programs.