SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ) \u2014 A metro Detroit man is turning his passion for photography into a thriving small business, showcasing his artwork across the region despite living with mental health challenges.<\/p>\n
Watch Jolie Sherman’s video report:<\/b> <\/p>\n
Photographer with mental health challenges finds purpose through art<\/p>\n
Ken Rosenthal, who has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, has found purpose through photography and the support of a local organization dedicated to helping those with mental health conditions.<\/p>\n
“I’m diagnosed schizoaffective. Sometimes, with meds I’m stable, but I used to hear voices and I still do a little bit,”<\/b> Rosenthal said.<\/p>\n
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Rather than letting his condition limit him, Rosenthal has embraced photography as both an artistic outlet and a business opportunity.<\/p>\n
FULL INTERVIEW: Kenneth Rosenthal talks about his photography<\/b><\/p>\n
FULL INTERVIEW: Kenneth Rosenthal talks about his photography<\/p>\n
“I take a picture and edit it and enhance the colors, and it makes a beautiful piece of art,” Rosenthal said.<\/p>\n
Rosenthal is a member of the Clubhouse for the Common Good, a center in Southfield run by Gesher Human Services. The facility offers employment opportunities, educational classes, and culinary experiences for people living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.<\/p>\n
“You know, being disabled, you have a lot of time on your hands, you’re not working, and that’s one thing that’s great about Clubhouse. If you participate, there may be opportunities for you,” Rosenthal said.<\/p>\n
The center’s Creative Expressions art program became the catalyst for Rosenthal’s artistic development.<\/p>\n
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Photography was something Rosenthal always enjoyed, but the Clubhouse reintroduced him to it and provided the tools to develop his skills.<\/p>\n
Craig Nowak, Creative Expressions program manager, explained their approach. <\/p>\n
“We partner with organizations out in the community, such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, Signal Return for print making, and we bring their professionals into our programs,” <\/b>Nowak says.<\/p>\n
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The program also partners with the College for Creative Studies, where Rosenthal was able to take classes. With support from the Applebaum Family Philanthropy, he transformed his passion into a profession, launching a business called Exposures by Ken<\/a>.<\/p>\n “A lot of people say art is therapeutic, and it is, but I think the real therapy comes from the purpose,” Nowak said.<\/p>\n Staff members say Rosenthal’s progress in just a couple of years has been remarkable.<\/p>\n “It’s such an inspiration to the clubhouse and the other members at the Creative Expressions program for people that wonder if this is a possibility for them and to see that setting your goals are not outside of your reach,”<\/b> said Rene Dell of Gesher Human Services.<\/p>\n Rosenthal is now selling his work at several art fairs around metro Detroit this summer and expresses gratitude for the support he’s received.<\/p>\n “You know, it feels like people are on my side,” Rosenthal said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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