‘Looking up’ art exhibition worth a look in

6 October 2004

‘Looking up’ art exhibition worth a look in

Art lovers are invited to come along to view a new exhibition on display in the Pan Pac Foyer at Napier’s Municipal Theatre. The exhibition is to be opened by Mayor Barbara Arnott the evening of Monday 11th October, and will be open to the public daily from Tuesday 12th October until Sunday 17th October , between 10:00am to 3:00pm.

The exhibition features work by people who have experienced mental illness. The collection has been assembled by Jacaranda House and Walnut Grove, in partnership with Earth Gardens, to showcase the creative talents of a diverse group of local people many of whom would not normally have the opportunity to display their work.

The exhibition is being held in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Week which runs nationwide from the 10th to 16th October 2004. This year’s theme ‘Move your mood’ highlights the link between physical and mental health and is promoting the benefits of physical activity on mental health and wellbeing.

“Both Walnut Grove and Jacaranda House provide day courses with a recovery focus. Our courses include sessions on fitness, relaxation, personal development as well as education sessions including developing life skills and assisting people to better understand their mental health conditions. And of course the creative art courses which give the opportunities to tap into creative potential.” Says Adel Coetzee, Occupational Therapist and Team Leader.

Earth Gardens provide work skills and health recovery programmes for people with mental health conditions. People are encouraged to develop skills for employment, community participation or further education while participating in a variety of activities, including working in the organic garden enterprise, building and maintenance programmes and art and pottery courses. This is the first time an exhibition on this scale has been held in Hawke’s Bay, many of the artworks are for sale; entry to the exhibition is free.

ENDS

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