A YEAR 10 Tomaree High School student is setting up an art exhibition to raise money for research into complex mental illness and suicide prevention.
As a participant in the Big Picture Education program, Mikaylah Thomas was tasked with organising a charity exhibition at the Lion Studio framing shop, where she’s working as part of an internship.
When she came across Amber’s White Light, the story of the girl who gave the charity its name, Amber’s mental health journey resonated with her.
“Amber struggled with depression, anxiety, and early-onset psychosis,” explained Mikaylah.
“As soon as I came across Amber’s story, I felt a connection.
“Her speech was raw and passionate, and it really stayed with me.
“I’ve always had an interest in psychology and hope to work in the field one day. Learning about Amber’s experiences gave me a greater understanding of the challenges young people and their families can face.”
Sadly, Amber passed away from suicide in 2023.
Rather than letting her tragic death define their future, her family decided to turn their grief into advocacy, establishing the Amber’s White Light charity.
Mikaylah’s upcoming Art for Amber exhibition, organised in collaboration with Amber’s parents, is seeing incredible support from the community: more than 400 entries have been received from all across Australia.
The sheer number of entries also means Mikaylah has a lot of work ahead.
“Oh, God, it’s awful,” she joked.
“There’s a lot of very repetitive things that I have to do [for the exhibition]. I’m very excited, but very nervous, because I have to do a lot of fancy stuff for it.”
Art for Amber will be shown at Lion Studios for a month starting from 1 October, with the grand opening planned for 6 pm.
All the exhibited artwork will be on sale, with all profits supporting Amber’s White Light and its work towards a better understanding of complex mental illness, and preventing youth suicide.
Mikaylah urged members of the community to view the exhibition.
“There are some really good pieces on show,” she said.
By Nico LOMBARDO
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