Art; Writing for Your Life; Photography
These programs allow the participant a form of expression when words cannot be found. The ability to express oneself is a critical tool in assisting in the recovery process for people living with mental illnesses. Participation is optional. There is no pressure to attend, no fee to participate. People are encouraged to enjoy all three opportunities or select what is near and dear to their journey to wellness.Purpose:
In a safe and supportive atmosphere, participants are provided an opportunity to explore forms of expression to assist in their journey to recovery.
Objective:
To support recovery through the expression of writing, art, photography, and music whenever possible.
Outcome:
Artwork, photographs, and writings are showcased throughout the Prince Albert Branch, the As Good As New store as well as the Prince Albert community.
Participants work on personal collections throughout the year resulting in an exhibit at the Prince Albert Art Centre. The Prince Albert branch of CMHA, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and Acquired Brain Injury, collaborate to host an annual ART GALA, at the Prince Albert Art Centre.
The month-long exhibit is the result of community partnerships coming together to display participants’ personal journeys through artwork, poems, photographs, and quilts. The entire collection then adorns the hallways at the mental health ward in the Victoria Hospital for the following year.
Healing comes in a variety of expressions such as:
ART:
Facilitated by retired educator, and Visual Arts Instructor. The program uses diverse art activities to allow the individual to explore meaningful artistic experiences using a variety of 2 & 3 dimensional mediums that promote participation, discussion, and creativity.
WRITING FOR YOUR LIFE:
Facilitated by a Prince Albert award winning and published author. Participants are guided gently as they put words, stories, songs and poetry on paper. The group is one of the most active Writing for Your Life groups in Saskatchewan with submissions to Transitions Magazine, The Vintage Gypsy, and annually to CMHA Cash Calendar.
Ten people have published personal collections, and many have participated in two published anthologies: With Just One Touch of Hands and The Heart Remembers Brightly. Two people have written and recorded various CD’s and are available to enjoy on You Tube.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
The CMHA Shutter Bugs
The CMHA Shutter Bugs are self-named, and a peer administered group. Participants are learning to see life through a different lens as they focus on basic aspects of composition, lighting and editing. Their goal is to promote artistic expression and allow a new visual voice for themselves.
The CMHA Shutter Bugs members have had photos published in the Broken Lights Collective, an on-line art gallery, CMHA Cash Calendar and the local newspapers. Members have won a variety of ribbons in local and regional photo competitions.