Colleen Kassner

The Woman Behind the Paint: Artwork, Words, Womanhood and a Recovery Colleen Kassner

Publisher Marketing: Colleen Kassner's recovery from mental illness is illustrated through her artwork, essays and poetry. Her journey starts in 1994 and is a powerful narrative relating her amazing transformation. From single mother and social work student doing her internship at Grand Avenue Club (GAC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a woman in the throes of bi-polar disorder and alcohol abuse, she changes her life when she experiences an epiphany that starts her recovery. She becomes a person who, paints, runs a gallery, is happily married, and encourages others on their journey to mental health and recovery. In 2001 she reconnected with her creativity by using art to aid in her recuperation from a traumatic psychiatric hospitalization. She hasn't stopped creating and growing as a human being since. Colleen combined her degree in social work with her love for art in 2006 when she re-established, her connection with GAC. GAC uses a unique, non-clinical philosophy of psychiatric rehabilitation, which enables its members to return to full and productive lives. Rachel Forman, in the introduction to this book states: "GAC boasts a thriving Employment Program, whereby scores of people are working out in the community; a fine Supported Education Program, whereby members are earning vocational certificates and degrees at local schools; and an Evening, Weekend, and Holiday Programming whereby members celebrate every holiday, see movies and plays; organize baseball games and dances; attend concerts, sports events, and festivals out in the community; go to local museums and spend some very cozy times with each other at GAC." Colleen currently serves as GAC's "Artist in Residence," mentoring members in art, running their gallery, Gallery Grand, and promoting the development of art creation and art appreciation in GAC members. She continues to paint and grow alongside the community she has come to love.