Reflections of My Mind art show returning to the RMH
Ross Memorial Hospital and the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge are happy to announce the return of Reflections of My Mind, a collection of artwork created by artists with lived mental illness experience.
This year’s exhibit, the first being held since November 2019, will take place in the Ross Memorial Hospital main rotunda on October 3-4, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.
Participating artists are community members who at some point in their journey have accessed mental health services through either, or both, Ross Memorial Hospital and the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge.
A portion of the art sale proceeds will be donated to Kawartha Lakes Food Source. Reflections of My Mind is a cash-only event. There is an ATM on-site.
“Art therapy involves the use of creative techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, colouring or sculpting to facilitate self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour, and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate,” says Jennifer Cockburn, mental health outreach worker at the RMH. “The Ross is excited for these artists to have an opportunity to display and sell some of the work that has assisted them along their healing journeys.”
“Art plays a significant role in the health and wellness of our community,” notes Jack Veitch, manager of community engagement and education with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge. “Art pieces and art shows like ‘Reflections of My Mind’ bring community members together and foster a sense of connection and collaboration. Using art as a means of expression and selfcare is something we recommend to many.”
“Art allows me to creatively and positively affect my surroundings and day-to-day life,” says artist Terry Bateman, who has previously participated in Reflections of My Mind. “Art provides distraction, a much emphasized skill to cope with mental health. Art also allows me to have good experiences and interactions with people where we have something in common to talk about.”
“Not only does doing art make me feel good about what I have created; it also helps my mental health by just escaping what is upsetting me. I absolutely love what I do,” adds Karen Underhill, another participating artist. Marsha, who will also be showcasing her work this year, speaks of how art can benefit both artist and purchaser alike. “Doing crafts helps with my mental health. It keeps me focused and calm, and gives me pride when I can sell some of my art to make someone else happy by bringing them joy,” she says.
For more information about this year’s Reflections of My Mind event, please contact Ryan Young, communications and public affairs officer at the Ross Memorial Hospital by phone at (705)-328-4548 or by email at .