AKRON, Ohio - Several CSS clients recently got the opportunity to share their artwork and perspectives in a special exhibition exploring the challenges of living with mental illness.

“The purpose of this exhibition is to advocate for mental health by exposing the parts society often doesn’t want to see, which have been considered ‘too dark,’” explains Michelle Morton, expressive arts administrator for CSS.

The exhibit, on display at Summit Artspace, features nine works of art by eight artists who are CSS clients engaged in the agency’s art therapy program. The thought-provoking pieces reflect experiences with depression, anxiety, isolation, rage, psychosis, self-doubt and vulnerability. The artists statements can be found online at https://www.summitartspace.org/too-dark-group-exhibition/.

The exhibit is on display until Dec. 16 in Summit Artspace’s Welcome Gallery, located just inside the entrance at 140 E. Market St. in Akron.