Unique artwork being sold at Derry auction

Drawings by a Derry man who suffers from mental health illness are being put up for sale.

Pat Ross (pictured) uses art as a way of dealing with his schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms, including:

•hallucinations – hearing or seeing things that do not exist

•delusions – unusual beliefs not based on reality that often contradict the evidence

•muddled thoughts based on hallucinations or delusions

•changes in behaviour

Doctors often describe schizophrenia as a psychotic illness. This means sometimes a person may not be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality.

In association with AMH (Action Mental Health) New Horizons Foyle, Mr Ross created an exhibition of his drawings, called ‘Read Between the Lines’.

A spokesperson for AMH New Horizons Foyle said there was a great reaction to the exhibition in the various locations it was staged.

“The comments not only highlighted schizophrenia, but also has brought international acclaim to Pat as an artist, indeed everywhere we went the same questions where continually asked, can we buy a copy, and are they for sale.

“At the start of the year Pat stated that he wanted the prints to be sold with all the monies raised coming directly to AMH.”

The drawings went on display today in the Playhouse theatre in Derry for five days.

As well as viewing the artwork, people will also have a chance to leave a bid for any which they would like to purchase.

The final auction will take place in the Playhouse on Friday evening, starting at 7pm.

Music will be provided at the event by Paul Casey.

If you cannot get along to the event but would like to buy one of the drawings, log on to http://www.amh.org.uk/news/online-auction-of-read-between-the-lines-by-artist-pat-ross/

The AMH New Horizons Foyle spokesperson added: “Our hope now is that through the sale of Pats art ,whether in ends up in homes , offices , community venues or businesses that it will not only recognise Pat’s talent as an artist but also ensures schizophrenia and other mental health conditions can be talked about in an open and very honest manner.”