Fairfield Man Auctions Art to Benefit Mental Health Services

Harvey Paris sees firsthand how those with mental illness in the state of Connecticut fall through the cracks.

"I think Newtown really shined a light on the fact that there's really a lack of mental health services, especially for poor and underprivileged people," Paris said.

Paris, a Fairfield resident and co-director of the Jewish Family Service in Bridgeport, is a Jewish chip carver in his spare time. Twenty pieces of his work are currently on display at the Easton Library -- including two carvings created just after the Dec. 14, 2012 elementary school shooting.

Newtown 26, 2012 is the Paris' attempt to give meaning to the tragedy. The work (pictured) was created by removing 26 cuts of wood from the center of a wooden plate and then rearranging them on the perimeter. The carving is meant to symbolize the hopes, the unfulfilled aspirations, and the tragedy that Newtown has come to represent, according to Paris.

There is also a Newtown Tzedakah (charity) Box, which pairs the events of Newtown with more traditional Jewish motifs, and other carvings.

Paris' work will be auctioned off at the end of June and proceeds will go toward mental health services at the Jewish Family Service.

"It's really a crisis on Connecticut," Paris said. "That's why I carved the pieces -- to promote awareness about the lack of community mental health services."

Paris said that his time with the Jewish Family Service showed that the days when nonprofits were subsidized to provide free psychological services in the community "are over. It's all dried up."

The Easton Library exhibit of Paris' work, called "Jewish Art in Response to Newtown," can be seen during normal library hours through June 30. Those interested in bidding on the pieces should visit Paris' website and place a bid.