News from PSA

Hot Off The Press:

Through Our Eyes Photo Exhibit

• A black and white photo exhibit, “Through Our Eyes – The Faces of Recovery: Picturing The Quality of Life Through Our Lifespan” debuted April 22 & 23 at the Mental Health America of Arizona 20th annual Seeds of Success symposium in Mesa.  The exhibit consists of photos shot with 30 disposable cameras by people with mental illness throughout the state.  Encouraging people to look at an individual’s strengths, not their diagnosis, thirty photos were selected from 810 exposures and juried by respected members of the art and behavioral health communities.  With funding from Magellan Behavioral Health Services and Recovery Innovations of Arizona, Kathy Bashor, director of peer support & community integration for PSA Behavioral Health Agency, & community relations director Alicia Brown of Triple R Behavioral Health, produced the exhibit.  Bashor saw the project as a way to demystify mental illness, sharing, “I’m just like you, I like exercise, going to work, and I’m looking forward to getting old.”  Bashor’s experiences added poignancy to the exhibit with compelling messages interspersed throughout the display. For information about hosting the exhibit, contact Bashor at 602.393.3155.

Art Awakenings’ Artists Participate in ASU Art Exhibition

• PSA Art Awakenings continues its participation in ASU College of Public Programs’ art exhibition at its Downtown Phoenix campus.  Currently 10 pieces of artwork are included in the “For Our Eyes” project which launched in summer, 2006.  The exhibition offers service recipients of nonprofit organizations a chance to share their works and stories of artistic expression.  Many pieces confront social issues and are displayed accordingly with ASU departments on floors four through nine at 411 N Central, Phoenix.  Art Awakenings pieces are included in the Community Resources & Development, Nonprofit Leadership & Management, and Social Work floors. Each display includes the title and artist, explains PSA Art Awakenings mission and vision, and solicits program participation.

Casa Grande Studio & Gallery Celebrate New Location

• On February 5th the Casa Grande Studio & Gallery celebrated their new location at 1226 E Florence Boulevard.  Nearly 200 people attended the event along with the support of PSA Board President Mim Bohlman, Mayor Bob Jackson, Cenpatico CEO Terry Stevens, Marge Jantz of Casa Grande Main Street, and Chamber CEO Helen Neuharth.  The Gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  A variety of original paintings, glassware, jewelry and cards are available for purchase.

PSA Farm Event a Success!

• Art Awakenings recognized its artists, friends, and those who support empowerment and recovery through creativity during the 4th Annual Artist Celebration on December 5th. Guests enjoyed live music from the Art Awakenings band, artist performances, artists painting on the premises, a gallery show, refreshments, raffle, and an awards ceremony that celebrated the triumphs of artists from the Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Glendale, Phoenix and Tempe Studios.  Many thanks to our friends who support Art Awakenings, attended the celebration, and made donations that helped us to host such a beautiful event.

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