Our History

 

We were founded in Pittsburgh, PA at the 1990 Alternatives Conference, an annual conference supported and funded by the Center for Mental Health Services now in its 22nd year.   At the time of its beginning, talent showcases had been presented at many of the previous conferences.  It was felt by founders, Sally Clay, Gayle Bluebird, Dianne Cộtẻ, and {the late} Howie the Harp, that a national arts organization was needed to create an arts agenda that would represent a diverse array of people with different philosophies and perspectives.  After a brief sit-down to discuss the goals of the organization, the organization was formed and given the name, “Altered States of the Arts”.

 

For many years a traveling quarterly journal called The Altered State was published in different states and communities throughout the country. Because different states took on the task of each issue, it was an economical and productive means of getting out the word of artists in that locale.  Altered States grew as an organization but never got its’ independent status and 501(c)3.  Though the timing never seemed exactly right, there was a continuing effort raising consciousness through the arts by presenting original talent showcases at Alternatives and other national mental health conferences. Open Mic performances also became popular. Large numbers of people came to conferences to perform: at first, performances that included pop songs, but later acts that were created as original and that had a “message” to convey.

 

An award was established in the name of Howie the Harp to be presented annually at Alternatives.  To date we have given out plaques to the following people who exemplified the spirit of Howie in the way they presented their art.  Our first award was given to Beth Greenspan, (PA) for her poetry that both was risk taking and revealing in content.  Our next award was given to Mary Moran, who established herself as a video artist and director of a consumer-operated video company, M.C. Video.  At the Denver Conference in 2004 we gave the award to Starfish on Broadway, a band of musicians who shared the experience of homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse or prison histories. The award was given to David Babak, the director for the organization.  Mark Davis received the award at the Oregon Alternatives held in Portland 2006.  Mark has been well known for his “Drag with a Tag” act—a performance that is both artistic and educational.  In 2007, Sybil Noble, Kansas City, MO received the award for her outstanding visual art and also Jerome Lawrence, Atlanta, Georgia as an artist who has achieved wide acclaim all over the country for his paintings.

 

We have supported and continue to support many talented artists as they begin to make a living off of their art.  We are frequently asked for referrals from states who wish to hire a talented performer for a special event or conference.  We are happy to accommodate and wish to increase our ability to know of performers in each state. We delight in keeping track of performing artists who are touring the country, creating CDs and making a difference with what they do through their art.

 

We believe in the ability for the artists both for their artistic merit and for leadership potential.  We support artists being at the table where decisions are made.  We wish to be present at many different forums with songs and poetry to be included as part of the format.

 

Proudly, we are recognized for our ability to heal, to challenge, to protest and also as negotiators, and as leaders of change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What We’re About

Our Philosophy

 

We recognize that, through the ages, creative artists have been called “crazy” and that today many gifted persons are labeled “mentally ill” and thereby denied freedom of expression.  We believe that the “madness” of our altered states is a part of human nature to be validated rather than suppressed.

 

We embrace the idea that madness dwells within the creative process, just as creativity is sequestered through madness.  We believe that true art is by nature uplifting and enlightening; it is neither treatment nor therapy, but it is nevertheless, healing and therapeutic.

 

“We proudly proclaim that, through art and education, we can change the psychiatric mindset and transform the world.”

Gayle Bluebird

 

The Late “Howie the Harp”

 

 

Dianne Côté

 

Sally Clay