Arts in Recovery
Contributed By: Missy Rufo, Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation
As the final days of fall were upon us in Pennsylvania, the consumers and staff members of FHR PA partnered with Kathy Bestwick of the Phoenix Village Art Center to embark on an “Arts in Recovery” project. The project began as a vision of PA Regional Director Janet Stanley in the Fall of 2010, when we moved to our new location at 723 Wheatland Street and the walls were bare. The idea was to have consumers create art work for our new space and bring art into their recovery. Our board member Lynn Pike Hartman shared this vision and donated funds for the project.
The goals of this vision were for Fellowship consumers to become vested in their relationship with FHR through the exhibition of their art work, to create a beautifully decorated facility that stimulates empathy, compassion and caring for all who enter, and to encourage community integration of Fellowship Health Resources’ consumers at programs and exhibitions at the Phoenix Village Art Center. A total of five art sessions were held with staff and consumers in the warehouse of our newly-appointed building, strewn with natural light and plenty of space. Each session began with an inspiration and meditation activity followed by instruction on painting techniques, color mixing, and use of various brushes to create our masterpieces. Many discovered their inner artist, while others enjoyed the ability to focus and relax through the use of visual arts. “This experience helped me discover a new talent within myself and a new way to manage my anxiety. I now use these tools on my own and have been experimenting with various artistic media in my own recovery.” –Kate F.
This was a truly rewarding experience for all involved. Many of the consumers have identified the importance of using arts in their own recovery and have found a new outlet for self-expression through this project. “I liked this experience. It was good for my self esteem. I tried to listen and use the experience in a positive way to express my feelings on canvas.” –Steve C. The French Creek Framing Gallery generously contributed to framing the final products.
The final products will be on display at FHR PA’s Arts in Recovery Exhibit to be held at the Phoenix Village Art Center. The opening will be held on Friday, April 29, 2011 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. The show will continue through Monday, May 2, 2011. The pieces will then be put on permanent display in the halls of the FHR offices and shown at our open house for the new Common Ground initiative. This has been a great beginning to the Arts in Recovery Project in PA and we are looking forward to more exciting arts programs to continue within the Region. To learn more about FHR PA and to support our programs, please visit us at www.fellowshiphr.org and click on the Pennsylvania tab.