Northern Health is gearing up to launch “Art Tracks: Come Walk With Me in My Shoes,” an art exhibition aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues. Scheduled for next month, the Terrace art show event aims to facilitate conversations and challenge the stigma surrounding artists with mental health conditions.
Rowan Saunderson, the driving force behind “Art Tracks” and a member of the Terrace Mental Health Advisory Committee, highlighted that October is dedicated to mental health and addiction awareness. Therefore, Northern Health is collaborating with local artists and the Garage Community Space on Kalum to bring this exhibition to life.
The Terrace Mental Health Advisory Committee plays a pivotal role in advocating for mental health and addiction services within the community. According to Saunderson, the committee comprises individuals who have personal experience with mental illness, service providers, and community members. They serve as both advisors and advocates, organizing events to raise awareness about mental health issues.
The upcoming Terrace art show will feature artworks from over 30 individuals, with each contributing up to three pieces. Saunderson emphasized the diversity of the displayed art, which encompasses a wide range of expressions and emotions.
“We have work that is very raw and expresses the struggles that a person has, even to just stay alive and trying to manage everything going on in their lives,” Saunderson said. “Others have used their work to process things that are difficult to talk about at a much deeper level, and then there are people who create art because it’s relaxing and gives them a sense of peace.”
Terrace Art Show – A Platform For Conversations and Understanding
Saunderson further highlighted the therapeutic aspects of art, noting that engaging with art materials, colors, and textures can have a profoundly positive impact on individuals’ mental well-being. The process of creating art can be absorbing and engaging, offering solace to those who participate.
“I’ve seen people come into the room depressed and leave with smiles on their faces after creating art,” Saunderson added. “There’s something very special about working with art materials, color, and textures. It’s quite absorbing and engaging, so long as people can let go of that internal criticism that we all face and just enter into that process.”
The “Art Tracks” exhibition not only showcases the artistic talents of individuals facing mental health challenges but also serves as a platform for conversations and understanding. It allows artists to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences while inviting the broader community to engage in discussions about mental health.
Events like “Art Tracks” play a crucial role in breaking down the stigma associated with mental health. By sharing their creative expressions, artists with mental health conditions contribute to a more empathetic and open society. The exhibition encourages viewers to step into the shoes of these artists, gaining insight into their unique journeys.
Northern Health’s collaboration with local artists and community spaces exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives to address mental health issues. As October approaches, “Art Tracks: Come Walk With Me in My Shoes” promises to be an impactful event that fosters understanding, empathy, and support for individuals facing mental health challenges.
In conclusion, “Art Tracks” stands as a testament to the healing and transformative power of art, showcasing the diverse and authentic voices of artists grappling with mental health conditions.
Through this exhibition, Northern Health and the Terrace Mental Health Advisory Committee aim to make mental health conversations more accessible and relatable to the wider community, fostering a culture of compassion and acceptance.