Mental health and art
Photo: CMHA
Local artists are using artistic creativity to express their experience of mental health and foster community conversations about it.
The Canadian Mental Health Association of Vernon and District will host its annual Awakening the Spirit art exhibition and sale from July 25 to August 20 at the Vernon Community Arts Centre in Polson Park.
“Awakening the Spirit is an inspiring initiative as participating artists focus on recovery, healing and hope. They are tackling the stigma around mental health head on and their abilities and contributions to the community are not defined by their health issues,” said Heather Kwantes, CMHA Vernon’s manager of adult integrated services.
“The goal of Awakening the Spirit is to encourage meaningful conversations about mental illness and wellbeing. Art can challenge our perceptions of the world around us and consider different perspectives. Mental health is often portrayed in a negative light, when what is needed is a positive engagement about resilience, courage and how we can support each other with compassion and openness.”
The exhibition and sale are open to everyone.
The VCAC is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm.
From August 5 to 16, opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Saturday and Sunday.
