Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) in partnership with the Healing Arts Council of Santa Barbara County (HACSB) wrapped up the sixth annual event featuring the expressions of people with mental illness.
“We had over 350 people sign our guestbook this year which is double the attendance from our largest show to date,” said Frank Ricceri, Associate Director at TMHA – Northern Santa Barbara County.
The Santa Maria Town Center Mall and South Side Coffee Company in Lompoc donated space for the traveling art show. The Santa Barbara Foundation contributed $250 toward the Lompoc reception.
Overall, 46 pieces were sold for a total of $828 including $250 raised by California Men’s Colony (CMC) inmates who struggle with mental health issues. All artwork and proceeds earned from CMC artists were donated to the show. “Between the CMC artwork sales and the funds from the Santa Barbara Foundation the entire show including the two opening receptions was paid for,” said Ricceri.
“The CMC prisoners contributed outstanding professional looking artwork toward the show,” said Ricceri. “Masterpieces were created from unique materials such as hand towels, wash clothes, and scraps of canvas. Art work from the print shop was especially excellent and beautiful.”
The event was first developed in 1995 to offer people in mental health recovery a way to express themselves and to provide a venue to share art, feelings, thoughts and messages with the general public.
Persons of all ages recovering from substance abuse, mental illness and their family members submitted art work. Submissions were made in many artistic mediums, including jewelry, poems, music, stone, metal, clay, textiles, sketches and paintings.
ABOUT T-MHA
Transitions-Mental Health Association is a non-profit organization that helps children and adults live, work and grow in our community. TMHA operates 27 programs at over 35 locations that reach over 2,000 people and 1,500 families in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The emphasis of TMHA’s many services is to teach vital independent living skills, and build a framework for community re-entry through personal empowerment and hands on experience. For over 30 years, T-MHA has been dedicated to providing housing, employment, case management and life-skills support to teens and adults with mental illness; and support, resources and education for their loved ones. For more information, visit www.T-MHA.org.
Philosophy and Mission Statement of HACSB
The human personality is earth’s greatest treasure. Art in its many forms can reach the unreachable. The Healing Arts Council is dedicated to providing artistic outlets to encourage the recovery of individuals with mental illness and/or addiction.