(TOP) Artist Michael Curls, 29, (left) discusses his painting titled 'PCH' with Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tem Richard Bloom (right) during Step Up on Second’s 5th Annual Member Art Show Fundraiser at Santa Monica Art Studios on Thursday, September 4, 2008. (ABOVE) Artist Josh Kaplan, 19, (left) discusses his painting titled 'Morning Cigarette' with Hamp Simmons, City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Supervisor who purchased his artwork for $150.00 during  the show. The art show featured more than sixty pieces of original artwork created by individuals living with mental illness.  Art Heals is a celebration of the human spirit and a chance to highlight the creativity of those who are using art as a form of expression and positive force in their life.  Art Heals allows Step Up to raise the much-needed funds for their free, life-changing services, and also presents a wonderful opportunity for their members to reinvent themselves as artists while simultaneously erasing the stigma surrounding mental illness. For 24 years, Step Up on Second has been providing assistance to individuals, housed or homeless, diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression as well as individuals who are dually diagnosed with both a mental illness and substance dependency.