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The therapeutic power of art will be on display during the 16th annual Awakening the Spirit Art Show and Sale.
Held at the Vernon Community Arts Centre starting June 27, the show is being put on by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Vernon & District and it celebrates the creative talents of community members living with mental illness and mental health challenges, who use art to 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. We encourage everyone to come down and view the amazing work of our local artists,” said Lenai Schmidt, manager of rehabilitation and wellness programs.
Each year one of the art submissions is selected to be represented in the official event poster.
Local artist Willow Sage won this year’s distinction with her submission: Tamma – The Spirit Elephant of Prosperity & Healing.
“The piece took about a month to create, and was almost ruined when it got rained on,” said Willow. “All the colours blurred together.”
Willow persevered and restored her artwork.
“I re-inked the lines, and added a scent and some glitter. I was also making jam at the time and used some of my ingredients as colour,” said Willow who managed to submit the piece half an hour before the deadline.
“When I found out I won, I cried. I had felt overwhelmed trying to fix the piece, but believed that throughout, I would be acknowledged somehow,” she said.
As a survivor of childhood abuse, Willow has overcome her past trauma with remedies for the mind, body, and spirit, addressing all parts of human suffering.
Through art, she discovered the healing power of immersing yourself into the moment, having a purpose, and sharing your gifts with those around you.
“Ninety-nine per cent of healing happens in your tribe, where someone is always a bit stronger to help you and someone is always a bit weaker so you can help them,” she said.
The Vernon Community Arts Centre located at 2704A Hwy 6, and the art sale and show runs until July 23.
