Far West Center's May exhibit at Porter Library showcases how art helps and heals

Far West Center invites you to come share our inspirational art exhibit on display during the month of May at Westlake Porter Public Library. This community exhibit will showcase the artwork created by individuals in recovery from mental illness. These unique works of emotional expression are captivating and demonstrate how artistic opportunities provide tools for recovery and healing. 

Far West Center is a nonprofit community behavioral health services agency located on the West Shore Health Campus. The Art Helps and Heals (AHH!) Open Art Studio program helps adults managing severe mental illness, and teaches ways to identify and express emotion using artistic tools. Creating artwork offers persons new feelings of success and accomplishment. 

AHH! Art Helps and Heals Open Art Studio is supported by the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County and also supported by the Cuyahoga Arts and Culture Council. We also appreciate support from the Bay Village-Westlake Rotary Club to offer this unique program.

Our client-artists are delighted to be given this opportunity to exhibit their works. Paintings, drawing, masks and mixed-media art pieces will give you a glimpse into the powerful messages of healing. Our exhibit will leave you with a sense of hope and a better understanding of how art helps and heals.

The Far West Center AHH! Open Art Studio Exhibit is open during the entire month of May, in celebration of May as National Mental Health Awareness Month. You can view this exhibit during regular library hours. 

Save the Date: Please plan to join us on Sunday, May 20, 2-4 p.m., for Far West Center’s Annual Compeer Day Community Open House Event at Porter Library. Far West Center staff and AHH! client-artists will be on hand to present information and answer questions about the Art Helps and Heals Open Art Studio program, the Compeer Program, and additional mental health services. Music and refreshments included. 

Denise Ayres

Denise Ayres is a Licensed Social Worker employed by Far West Center to coordinate and facilitate mental health recovery programs for adults managing severe mental illness.  Denise Ayres coordinates the Compeer Program, Art Helps and Heals (AHH!) Art Therapy, and a wellness and recovery tools program.  She has past experience in mental health case management and partial hospitalization services.

Denise grew up in Westlake and is a graduate of Tri-C West and Cleveland State University.  She is a mother of four. 

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Volume 10, Issue 8, Posted 9:52 AM, 04.17.2018