'The Art of Hope' exhibit to open at WCA
A new exhibit at the Wayne Center for the Arts, "The Art of Hope," celebrates the process of recovery by showcasing works by the Village Network Art Therapy Program and artists at NAMI/MOCA House.
Those struggling with physical or mental illness, addiction, or abuse have often found relief in creating art. A new exhibit at the Wayne Center for the Arts, "The Art of Hope," celebrates the process of recovery by showcasing works by the Village Network Art Therapy Program and artists at NAMI/MOCA House.
This exhibit will be on display in the Looney and Gault Galleries from Aug. 21 to Sept. 14. Visitors can meet the artists and get a first look at the show during an opening reception on Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 6-8 p.m. at the Wayne Center for the Arts. The reception and the exhibit are free and open to the public.
The Village Network Art Therapy Program has grown in recent years, thanks to the new Therapeutic Stabilization Center, where youth experiencing a severe crisis can experience mental-health services and treatment including nontraditional methods, like yoga, art therapy and music therapy, alongside more traditional approaches. Participants are given choices and space to express themselves, resulting in work that can help release trauma and communicate emotions.
"It’s crucial for our youth to be part of expressive therapies such as art and music,” said Richard Graziano, president and CEO of the Village Network. “These expressions help our youth cope with trauma and everyday stressors. We are excited to share our youth’s stories through art, in partnership with the Wayne Center for the Arts."
NAMI/MOCA House joins the Village Network in the Gault Gallery. MOCA House has long been providing artistic opportunities as part of its goals to reduce isolation among those struggling with mental illness. The outpatient center offers art classes in a variety of mediums twice a week as part of its free mental-health programming.
“Art can be a powerful way of expressing challenges related to mental illness and how a person has gained insight in their recovery,” said Jen Grim, development and grant manager for NAMI. “In addition our participants encourage one another, gain skills and confidence, and enjoy the process. Our volunteer instructors have a wonderful connection with the participants. The exhibit will show these challenges and hope related to mental-health recovery.”
James Fox, the new executive director at Wayne Center for the Arts, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaborative exhibit. "We are thrilled to host and showcase the work of two amazing social-service organizations,” Fox said. “The innovative, therapeutic approach taken by the Village Network and MOCA House is an inspiration to all and an outstanding example of the therapeutic power of the arts."
For more information call 330-264-2787 or visit www.wayneartscenter.org.
The Wayne Center for the Arts is located at 237 S. Walnut St. in Wooster.