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Past Exhibition

The Art of Recovery

Peg's Gallery

December 19, 2013 — January 15, 2014

About the Artists

The Art of Recovery

Featuring artwork by clients of Community Support Services
who use art to aid in their mental health recovery.

Art can be a healing force for persons with mental illnesses. How does art help persons living with mental ill-nesses in their recovery?
According to Michael Friedman, LMSW, Columbia University, art helps immensely. He suggests “art helps people connect with and deal with their emotions.” He also offered “art helps a person reach into largely un-conscious parts of the mind and experience dimensions of self otherwise buried and voiceless.”


Through the arts, persons living with severe and persistent mental illnesses are able to find their voices rather than being silent. Through art, one’s identity can be shaped. Mr. Friedman remarks, “Art is not just self-expression; it is also self-creation.”


In an effort to support the continued recovery of persons living with severe and persistent mental illnesses, Community Support Services endeavors to continue to find ways to promote the art of recovery while also providing opportunities for persons living with severe mental illnesses to showcase their talents.

“My father has always encouraged me to better myself and advance my artwork to the best of my ability. If my mind is racing, I can get engulfed in a picture and lose myself in what I am doing. I love what I am able to create.”
“Inspired by the I Can’ts
in all of us. A step closer to realizing our I Cans.”
“Drawing for people makes me happy. I like to give things I have drawn to others. What I draw depends on how I am feeling. I know drawing relaxes me. I have been drawing all of my life. In fifth grade, I had picture on display at the Akron Art Institute.”
“I enjoy making other people happy through my artwork.”
“My dad is my inspiration. He was an artist. I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren doing arts and crafts. I hope I in-spire them to continue to do art.”
“Being creative allows me to not only release my anxiety, depression, and fears…it allows me to release my love, kindness, and vision. Creativity is infinite. My art-work is inspired by the therapeutic value I retain during the process of creation. When making art, I strive to experience no stress, depression, or angst. Just curiosity.”
See Photos from Opening Reception