Artawakening By David Reno
O
ne in five Americans experiences a mental health or substance abuse condition in any given year. Imagine one of those children or adults is someone you know. While participating in therapy and taking the correct medication, if any is needed, is a start on the road to recovery, there will ultimately be stress and emotions involved in the healing process. People seeking recovery may have emotional needs they may not be able to express through traditional methods. This is where PSA Art Awakenings, a program of PSA (People Service Action) Behavioral Health Agency, can help. PSA Art Awakenings, a psychosocial rehabilitation and art therapy program with 13 studios and five galleries in six counties throughout Arizona, annually helps more than 1,200 people work toward empowerment and recovery through the expression of their own creativity. In our eyes, whether adult
creative writing, music, movement, jewelry making or sculpting. Artists work through the creative process of self-exploration both individually and in groups. They then have the opportunity to share and sell their work through public art exhibits, in galleries, online and at local events such as community art walks. While the process teaches personal accountability, the clients learn respect for themselves and others. Our approach allows them to take pride in their accomplishments as they develop enhanced self-esteem, wellness management and pre-job training skills. All of these benefits contribute to their personal recovery and community integration. Artists readily admit that creating art helps reduce stress and the intensity of their psychiatric symptoms. The common mantra in the studios is “Art saves lives!”
Jelly Bean Massacre
or child, they are artists – valued, talented individuals shaping their own journeys in recovery through their connection with the arts. The safe, supportive environment at PSA Art Awakenings fosters the exploration and development of each individual’s artistic and creative skills through the media of painting, 86
The Art Awakenings galleries are located in Phoenix, Tucson, Bisbee and Casa Grande, AZ, and juried artwork is shared and sold online at ArtAwakenings.org. This gives these recovering artists a presence on national and international levels. Proceeds ranging from 70% to 80% go directly to each artist, while the remainder goes to provide program supplies and
In Recovery Magazine
Spring 2014