The Art Gallery has launched a new show in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Clubhouse program.
“Forging Connections (was set up) to make a connection between the arts and the Clubhouse,” explained Arts Council President, Mischelle Pierce.
The Merritt Clubhouse operates under the CMHA Kamloops Branch and provides a safe and stable environment for those living with mental illness or recovering from addictions to build their self-esteem, gain skills and increase their competence in order to rejoin and participate fully in their community.
Merritt Clubhouse members meet three times per week: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and have been participating in a Nicola Valley Community Arts Council program since February, experimenting with different art mediums.
“We did a 12-week art program where artists came in and did everything from pottery, to poetry, drawing, painting, fused glass and drumming,” said Pierce.
Shirley Reynolds taught acrylic painting, Susan Parkinson of Twin Willows glass arts taught fused glass, and Raven Ritcey engaged participants in drumming. Ritcey and her new students even kicked off the show on May 6 with a COVID-safe drum circle in the Gallery, surrounded by Clubhouse members’ art works.
Pierce hopes that it will turn the spotlight on those who struggle with mental health, particularly during the isolation and disconnection of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think, just from speaking to our members about how it has influenced and helped to support their mental health and wellbeing, it has been very impactful,” said Sheena Christian, the CMHA Program Coordinator, who was on hand to get the show started and provide additional information about mental health, as well as free CMHA T-shirts.
“They came to really just express their creative side… it helped them to connect with other members, they gained that social interaction and learned new skills, and were able to express themselves in a way that maybe we can’t do otherwise. It can be very hard to verbalize some of the anxiety, stress, and just emotions that we experience, especially living in a pandemic. And I think that art is a way of allowing people to express that in a safe way, and explore new opportunities.”
Christian also highlighted the importance of keeping the brain active and engaged, and to have something positive to focus on. Trying new things or learning a new skill is a hands-on way of taking charge of your mental health and wellbeing.
“It’s been a great experience for everybody, I think,” said Christian, who hopes that Merrittonians will come down to the Gallery and check out the show.
“We’re all limited in a pandemic, so this is a good way to get out safely and still explore different opportunities.”
The show runs until May 23 at the Art Gallery, located at 2051 Voght St. next to Kekuli Café.
