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AMI show brings together artists dealing with challenges

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Brad Hundt/Observer-Reporter

A painting by Cortney Cowan that will be featured in AMI’s art show Friday at Venue 54 in Washington.

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Brad Hundt/Observer-Reporter

Photographer Melanie Marody will be showing off her work in AMI’s art show Friday at Venue 54 in Washington.

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Brad Hundt/Observer-Reporter

A painting by artist Cortney Cowan that will be featured in an art show Friday presented by the nonprofit agency AMI.

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Brad Hundt/Observer-Reporter

Cortney Cowan with one of her paintings that will be on display Friday at AMI’s art show in Washington.

For Melanie Marody, a photo is more than just a photo – it’s a bit of self-revelation.

“I can take a picture and explain how I feel, depending on what I’m taking a picture of,” Marody explained earlier this week.

Marody is one of 10 photographers participating in a poetry and fine art show being presented by AMI Inc. at Venue 54 in downtown Washington on Friday. She and the other photographers will be joined by 60 artists and 20 poets. All of the participants have been clients of AMI, an agency that helps adults who are dealing with mental health issues or recovering from addiction.

This is the 10th annual art show AMI has presented. Making art is beneficial for clients, according to Austin Lee, a certified peer specialist with AMI, because of the boost in self-esteem it provides, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it.

Kat Ranko, another peer specialist, said Marody “worked really hard. I’m excited for Melanie to show her photos.”

Cortney Cowan, another artist, will be displaying some of her paintings. “I’ve always been artistic,” she explained, “but I had never painted before.” She picked up a brush a little more than three years ago “when I got clean” and kicked heroin.

The art show will start at 11 a.m. and continue through 7 p.m. An art lesson is set for 11:30 a.m., and a poetry reading and awards ceremony is planned for 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, and complimentary light refreshments will be provided.

Venue 54 is located at 54 W. Wheeling St. For information, call 724-228-5211.

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