In her new exhibit entitled “Hand Held,” local artist Gabriella Lago explores the topic of mental health with acrylic paintings on display at The MAIN in Old Town Newhall starting Tuesday, Oct. 16.

The exhibition is free. The public is invited to view the gallery, enjoy light refreshments and meet the artist at a reception on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. “Hand Held” will be on display until Friday, Nov. 9.

Finding inspiration from the surrealist movement, which celebrated the liberation of thought, language and human experience from the boundaries of rationalism, Lago uses acrylic painting to share her view on mental illness.

Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

“This work is an exploration of mental health,” Lago said. “It is emotive and seeks to create a connection between the artist and the viewer. Through the many facets of mental health, I focus on finding strength within a struggle. To play upon that dynamic, I use a darker, cool color palette then inject bright, warm colors for balance. Anyone can be affected by mental health. I portray that by using anonymity and obscuring the facial features of those in my paintings.”

Lago is a painter currently residing in Santa Clarita. She has exhibited in various group shows. More information on Gabriella can be found at her website at GLagoArts.com.

The gallery at The MAIN is open for viewing during all events at The MAIN, as well as Tuesdays through Fridays, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The MAIN is located at 24266 Main Street, Newhall 91321.

For more information, contact Pablo Cevallos at pcevallos@santa-clarita.com or visit AtTheMain.org. For information regarding all city art happenings, visit SantaClaritaArts.com.