The therapeutic power of art is being showcased in Vernon.
The Vernon & District Canadian Mental Health Association’s 17th annual Awakening the Spirit art show and sale is on now at the Vernon Community Arts Centre.
More than 20 works are featured, including photography, acrylics, pen and ink, and watercolour.
All the artwork is from those living with mental illness, who have used art to positively improve their mental health.
“Through art and creativity, we hope to break down some of the barriers and stigma surrounding mental health and mental illness,” said Julia Payson, CMHA Vernon’s executive director.
For the past 20 years, CMHA volunteer Christine Schmidt has been using art to help her express herself and practise self-care.
“It keeps the creative juices going, connects me to nature, and is a way of expressing emotion,” she said.
She has been contributing to the show and volunteering at the CMHA’s Georgette Thrift Shop for three years.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Schmidt spent her time walking, doing photography, cooking, baking, meditating, and connecting with others over the phone.
She also dedicated herself to drawing a picture every day for six weeks.
“It was neat to have a focus, to have something on the go during that time to commit to. I decided to stay calm and collected when B.C. launched its COVID-19 measures,” said Schmidt, who decided to create an art calendar.
“My plan was to take a photo for inspiration and do a drawing each day of the month.
The arts centre donated its gallery for the show, which runs until Friday, Aug. 17, Monday to Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The show and sale is also being featured online.
