Art for a Great Start

Having a mental illness is no barrier to expressing creativity, as shown by the ‘Art for a Great Start’ program, which still has a few vacancies for new participants.

‘Art for a Great Start’ started in February and is run by Glen Innes Community Mental Health staff, Anne Edwards and Malcolm Watts. It aims to increase social skills, build confidence and develop people’s talents.

Mental Health social worker, Anne Edwards said it’s a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere and they have people who are quite experienced artists right through to people who have never picked up a brush in their lives.

"The group meets 10am -12noon every Tuesday at the Glen Innes Information Centre in Grey Street, and welcomes new participants who have, or have had, a diagnosed mental illness," said Anne.

Anne said attendance is free for current mental health clients, with others encouraged to give a gold coin donation.

Local artists, Sharon Betteridge and Carl Cree are the artistic tutors for the program, and organisers are finding that participants are getting a lot out of the program on several levels.

Anne said even though some participants are shy, they are quite bold and talented when it comes to expressing themselves with art.

"Even the people who have never done much art work previously are having fun creating works of art.

"We are looking forward to having an exhibition of the works at the Glen Innes Art Gallery at the Learning Centre later in the year, during September and October," she said.

Anyone wishing to speak with Anne or Malcolm about the program is welcome to call the Glen Innes Community Health Centre on 6739 0100.