The Arts Studios (Vancouver Coastal Health) Silent Auction and Holiday Sale

You all may know that I co-organize Mental Health Camp Vancouver (and I spearhead the Mental Health Camp movement as well) with my dear friend Isabella Mori. I have a very big stake in de-stigmatizing mental illness, and thus I’m a big supporter of anything that is associated with, and promotes wellness, health and de-stigmatization for folks afflicted with mental illness.

The Art Studios is a program within Vancouver Coastal Health that offers art classes, art workshops and mental health programming to Vancouver residents (age 16 – 90 yrs) who are living with mental illness. This is a unique program that currently services 300 residents in Vancouver who live with mental illness. The Art Studios is in high demand with approximately 100 people waiting to participate in their first art class.

I asked Lisa Wallace from VCH to share some of the stories of the participants in the program.

Sandra is one of the active participants of the program. Sandra was diagnosed at the age of 14 with schizoaffective disorder. Not allowing her diagnosis to dictate her life, Sandra went on to get a university degree and work a 9-5 job. When Sandra suffered a relapse in 1998, she was forced to quit her job after working for eight years. Discouraged and concerned now without her day to day working routine, Sandra discovered The Art Studios. Through her time at the Art Studios, Sandra rekindled her interest in painting, received valuable support, and created new friendships.

Darcie is another active participant of the Art Studios program. Darcie suffered severe depression as a result of a car accident and subsequent back injury. Prior to the accident, she was worked as a nurse and had a busy, full life. Darcie has been a participant of the studio for the past three years. She feels that it provides her with “a place of both understanding and acceptance; a place to socialize, to meet new friends, and a place to go when I need some gentle support”.

The Art Studios has been an important piece of Sandra’s and Darcie’s recovery. It has given them a sense of belonging and community, art skills and opportunities, empowerment and hope for the future.

On Thursday, November 25th, at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver, from 12-8pm. Sandra and Darcie will be one of the many participants of the Art Studios’ selling their works of art at the Art Studios’ Annual Winter Sale and Silent Auction. Lots of wonderful Vancouver businesses have donated items to the Silent Auction. The Art Studios greatly benefits from public support at this event. Art Studios artists keep all monies from the sales of their own art. All funds raised through the Silent Auction and admission donations go towards additional quality art supplies for the Art Studios. Please consider attending and buying some of these fine works of art.