CATS is a proud community partner with the Cleveland International Film Festival and sponsor of the film Art for Everybody for CIFF48.
"Art for Everybody" is about Thomas Kinkade, one of the most successful artists of his day, with millions of cozy cottage paintings sold across the U.S. On his passing in 2012, a newly discovered vault contained a series of darkly themed paintings that reveal a more complicated and troubled man than his most popular works implied.
After the screening there was a Q&A panel discussion moderated by CATS’ own Robert Newman, Director of Development. The panelists were:
• Miranda Yousef – Director
• Judith Ryder – Executive Director, Cleveland Arts Education Consortium
• Dominic – 2024 Graduate of CATS
• Dylan – 2024 Graduate of CATS
• Jackie Amato – Case Worker, Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
• Rebecca Kimbel – Client, Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Dominic & Dylan, both 2024 graduates of CATS, spoke about their own experiences with mental illness and substance use disorder and how it related to the film and Thomas Kinkade’s battle with his own mental health and substance use. As Thomas hid his troubled side of life from everyone he could, he made it impossible for himself to get the help he needed. Thomas’ life, eventually, completely unraveled until his death in 2012; an accidental overdose after mixing valium with alcohol. Both Dominic & Dylan were happy and excited to be a part of the Q&A discussion panel.
Rebecca, a Client of CCBDD, spoke on the challenges we face due to our society not valuing art as much as we should. Art programs are usually the first to be dropped when schools are faced with budget cuts. Rebecca is just one example of how powerful and helpful art and art therapy can be for a person especially those dealing with things like mental illness, substance use disorder, and physical and mental disabilities.
"Art for Everybody" is a poignant example of how substance abuse can affect anyone and how devastating it can be when left untreated. The film did a great job of exploring the world of art, how society views art, and how art & mental health can be intertwined. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with CIFF 48, Miranda Yousef, the Cleveland Arts Education Consortium, and the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Special thanks to Dominic, Dylan, and Rebecca for participating in the panel discussion to provide the client perspectives. We are looking forward to CIFF49!
