This year, the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria’s Mental Health Anit-Stigma HOPE Campaign will celebrate National Mental Health Month by opening its 2nd Annual Art Exhibition, “Art Uniting People – A Celebration of Creativity and Mental Health,” on Thursday, May 10th, 2012 from 6:30 – 8:80pm at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria. All are welcome!

This is an art exhibition dedicated to making a difference. It provides people whore lives have been affected by mental illness the opportunity to use art as a form of expression in order to engage the Alexandria community in a conversation about mental health issues.

The exhibition will feature artists of all ages, young and old! The artwork will range in medium from sculpture and ceramics to drawing, painting, photography and even writing. The artists have been invited to share the inspiration behind their art pieces, and some of their personal stories, to help viewers understand their perspective and the impact of mental illness on their lives. The artists will be in attendance at the opening event!

Margaret Dowell, author and artist, will be guest speaking at the event. Dr. Dowell will be discussing the emerging role of art as a powerful force in fostering an environment and society more supportive of recovery. Dr. Dowell has been producing artwork since before her college days, starting with minimal sculptural installations and evolving into drawing and painting. She has been featured in a variety of solo and group shows around the DC metropolitan area. She was a co-editor of Addiction and Art published by the Johns Hopkins University Press, 2010. Dr. Dowell currently lives in Maryland and teaches for the Art Department at Carroll Community College.

The event will also feature performing artists Poet Shelly Bell and Pianist Ann Lee.

This is a wonderful event and cause! We hope you will join us in supporting the Mental Health Anti-Stigma HOPE Campaign by attending the event with us on May 10th.

If you are unable to attend the event the artwork will continue to be displayed at the Lee Center until September 2012 at which point it will be moved to the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library. The artwork will be on display at the Central Library (5005 Duke Street, Alexandria) from October 2012 through January 2013.

This event is being sponsored by the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria Mental Health Anti-Stigma HOPE Campaign in partnership with CSB Alexandria, the Alexandria City’s Therapeutic Recreation Program, the Alexandria Office of the Arts, the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, and Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center.