Press Release
Richard Smith's Amazing Art
As a young boy, Richard Smith was fascinated with art. Through the years, and totally self taught, Richard grew to become a talented artist, adept at pencil drawing, acrylic and oil painting, as well as carving etchings on rocks and polished black granite.
This alone may not be unusual. What makes Richard unique at what he does is that Richard is legally blind and has suffered from acute depression because of it.
One day in 1987 when Richard was 42, he awoke to darkness. Doctors discovered he had optical neuritis which occurs when the optic nerve, the pathway that transmits visual information to the brain, becomes inflamed and the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve is destroyed. It typically occurs in one eye at a time (70%), and the resulting vision loss is rapid and progressive, but only temporary. Thirty percent of patients experience occurrence in both eyes. Richard went without his eyesight for six months at that time, again in 1997, and the last time was in 2001.
Take a bad situation and make it worse. Depression found its way to Richard too. However, he feels he has recovered from his depression with hard work, a positive attitude, a great sense of humor and ultimately, the acceptance of his eyesight loss, although he always fears its return. His love for art and his ability to utilize his skills through an amazing memory of “life itself in front of him”, Richard continues to work at staying healthy, most recently at the Mental Health Association (MHA).
The Mental Health Association in Indian River County provides help to individuals and families dealing with a variety of emotional and behavioral situations. MHA services focus on preventing problems from escalating to severe and often costly situations. MHA is the first place to turn for support and solutions in times of emotional duress. Many individuals recovering from a serious and persistent mental illness find themselves alone, isolated and without friends, family or a support system. Often individuals cannot work, or are unsure how to become involved in meaningful activities. The MHA offers membership and a safe haven at their Drop-In Centers which are located in Vero Beach, Okeechobee, Ft. Pierce and at Harbor Network, which is the MHA Drop In Center in Stuart, located on Colorado Avenue.
Because of wanting to deal with his Depression, Richard found his way to Harbor Network and became a member of the Center a year ago. He now works part-time as a Staff Assistant. While helping himself, he also helps other members of Harbor Network, sharing his own life experiences through his spiritual and upbeat attitude and through the use of his art.
“Richard’s ability to draw is amazing,” states Tammy Macklin, Director for Harbor Network. “His close-up work is done with a magnifying glass and for far away, Richard uses binoculars. He is very inspirational and helpful to our other members here at Harbor Network. We are fortunate he is here with us. “
Since 2004, sea turtles have been synonymous with MHA when the non-profit United Way agency launched a fundraising and awareness campaign using six foot high fiberglass turtle forms. The turtle forms were artistically decorated and painted by local and regional artists and were later auctioned to private individuals while some have remained on display as public art in Indian River County. More recently, MHA took on a “new look campaign” introducing a new logo and slogan, “It’s Okay To Get Help.” Richard, utilizing his love for art and the MHA, designed a sea turtle swimming under water and through the arches of the new MHA logo. Richard’s design is currently being used as the front cover of the Harbor Network newsletter, as well as on note cards and stationary.
Harbor Network is a peer-run self-help drop-in center located in the Colorado Plaza at 735 Colorado Avenue in Stuart. It provides those recovering from mental illnesses an opportunity to socialize and network at their own pace in a supportive and comfortable peer-oriented environment. Activities are for members and are free of charge. For more information on becoming a member call Director, Tammy Macklin at Harbor Network, 772-287-4545.