Vincent Van Gogh cut off his ear. A sure sign of madness say many but, there's agreement that artistically he was a genius.

Although his work was unique, as an artist grappling with mental illness, he was not alone. French impressionist Paul Gauguin and Norwegian Edvard Munch who painted the famous 'Scream', both suffered with bipolar disorder.

So could it be that to be a truly great artist you need to suffer some form of mental illness?

No one is going to admit that but occupational therapist Teresa Law who heads the art therapy programme at Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute (MAWI) said a study in Britain showed artistic people to be 30 times more likely to suffer mental illness.

"There have been many studies carried out to explore the relation between artistic ability and mental illness," she said. "While none have been conclusive, many experts believe people who suffer from mental illness are often very creative and able to express their experience artistically.

"A study done by Andreasen's (1974, '75 and '87) concluded that out of 47 prominent British artists and writers, 38 percent had been treated for a mood disorder – a rate about 30 times that of the general population."

There are no local statistics on this theory, but the public will get a chance to view the works of some struggling with such issues in our society this Friday.

As part of Mental Health Month observances, MAWI has teamed with the Bermuda Society of the Arts (BSoA) to present 'Mind Frames'. The exhibition marks the first time clients of MAWI will have a group exhibit in a gallery.

Gallery curator Victoria Evans-Cracknell is excited about the exhibit which she and Ms Law have been organising for several months. When interviewed last week she had not seen any of the pieces but was confident the standard of work would merit exhibition.

"Last year they had an exhibition during mental health month in the lobby of MAWI. I saw that and the calibre of the work was staggering," she said.

All MAWI patients in the arts programme have been encouraged to enter a piece of their work. No one has dared to deem which are the best.

"Occupational therapists believe it is the quality of individual participation and enjoyment of the artistic experience that really matters," said Ms Laws.

Art therapy is given to many patients at MAWI some are inpatients and some are out-patients. Some may only visit the Devonshire facility once a month. According to Ms Laws art is now a part of the everyday work occupational therapists at MAWI carry out with their patients.

"Art plays a large part in mental health for a number of reasons," she said. "We engage in purposeful activities using expressive artistic media, empowering clients to get in touch with and express their feelings.

"By using art, we encourage clients to engage in a way that helps them manage stress and other symptoms. As occupational therapists we believe the artmaking process is inherently healing. Engaging in art activities improves self-esteem, mood and motivation.

"It allows for unique thinking, decision-making and feelings of empowerment. It also helps clients explore and understand feelings. It is relaxing and can be a way of distracting the mind," she said.

Therapists use art in direct response to an individual patient's needs. It may be in a group setting or one-on-one. Ms Laws said the type of art used can vary and may be photography or even poetry.

About 30 clients, with varying types and degrees of illness, will exhibit between 60 and 85 works. Many pieces will be available for purchase with the money going directly to the artist. Several artists are also slated to be on hand.

"The exhibit will give the public a chance to recognise this talent and to view clients as people with unique and positive qualities, rather than perceiving them solely as having a mental illness," said Ms Laws. "The exhibit will focus on wellness and the promotion of health."

In this vein, a sidebar feature in the Edinburgh Gallery will see a PowerPoint presentation on mental health played continuously. Additionally, two tables with art supplies will be laid out daily to encourage people to do their own art therapy.

"There will be signage on the benefits of art therapy at the tables, as well as coloured paper, pens and markers," said BSoA curator Ms Evans-Cracknell. "There will be ideas on what people should be thinking or not thinking. People can sit at their leisure and take part at no cost. It's an interactive piece."

She stressed that the exhibit also strives to answer questions many in the public may have on mental illness.

Recognising many may find MAWI daunting, she said the gallery represents "a non threatening environment" in which people can get information on mental health. "We will have lots of leaflets and brochures," she said.

'Mind Frames' begins this Friday with an opening from 5.30 -7 p.m. at the Bermuda Society of the Arts in City Hall. All are welcome. The exhibit runs until Wednesday, October 31. The gallery is open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is closed Sundays.