The power of artistic expression and its role in recovery from mental illness will be spotlighted as Community Support Services celebrates the fifth annual Art of Recovery.
The event showcases the creations of participants in CSS’ Expressive Arts Therapy program, which offers a creative way for clients with severe and persistent mental illness to explore their feelings, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem. In addition to highlighting the artists, Art of Recovery helps to educate the public about mental illness.
“By bringing attention to artists’ strengths through artistic expression, we help to fight stigma still associated with mental illness,” said Lacy Vitko, CSS Expressive Arts Administrator. “The public display encourages guests to witness the powerful impact creative expression affords in the mental health recovery process.”
The public is invited to celebrate Art of Recovery from 5:30 to 8 p.m. March 12 in a new venue – E.J. Thomas Hall, Goodrich Lobby. A VIP reception for artists and sponsors will take place from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
The event will feature a display of more than 50 original artworks, all professionally framed and available via auction. Seventy-five percent of the proceeds will go directly to the artists, while 25% will be reinvested into the Expressive Arts Therapy program.
The Summit 91.3 FM will provide entertainment via its Rock and Recovery program, and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. The honorary chair will be Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer, who created the New Day Court in 2016 to assist severely mentally ill people on outpatient commitment.
Early bird tickets, $45, are available until Feb.7. General admission tickets are $60. Limited edition artwork tickets will be available for $125, which includes a general admission ticket and limited edition 11” x 14” print of the event’s featured art, signed by the artist. For more information and tickets, visit www.cssbh.org/art-of-recovery.
Master artist-level sponsors are Seibert Keck Insurance Partners, The Charles and Salome Reymann Foundation and Peg’s Foundation. Master apprentice-level sponsors are PNC, the County of Summit ADM Board and Klein’s Pharmacy and Medical Equipment Co. Patron of the arts sponsors are Bober Markey Fedorovich. Non-profit supporters of the arts are Akron Municipal Court judges, NAMI Summit County and Summit County Probate Court. For information about Art of Recovery sponsorship contact Michael Gaffney at 330-996-9141 ex. 433 or via email at michael.gaffney@cssbh.org.