5th annual Abha Art & Craft Exposition is Oct. 5
Lincoln County Health and Human Services, in partnership with the Oregon Family Support Network, hosts the 5th annual Abha Art & Craft Exposition from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 at the National Guard Armory in downtown Newport, on U.S. Highway 101 north of the bridge.
View and purchase arts and crafts that are expressions of healing, wonder and hope - all created by mental health consumers. Consumer artists from Lincoln, Benton, Jefferson, Crook and Deschutes counties submit paintings, pictures, sculptures, jewelry, fabric art, as well as perform poetry, and live musical performances.
Many artists are healing by using a variety of mediums to resolve inner conflicts and release deeply repressed emotions. Creating art fosters self-awareness and personal growth. Some mental health clinicians use art therapy as both a diagnostic tool and as a way to help treat disorders such as depression, abuse-related trauma, and schizophrenia. Commonly used in occupational therapy, crafting helps people to feel a sense of accomplishment and learn new skills by creating items that are both useful and decorative.
In addition to the individual benefits of creating and expressing, the annual ABHA Art Show benefits artists by broadening their support network and recognition by others. This event opens the door to the public that often remains closed due to stigma, misunderstanding and miscommunication. It is an opportunity to come together to gain wisdom and enrichment.
For further information contact Beth Quinn, consumer affairs specialist, Accountable Behavioral Health Alliance (ABHA) at (541) 740-5263 or toll free at 866-625-5755. Accountable Behavioral Health Alliance is a Mental Health Organization serving Oregon Health Plan consumers.
