CMHA Kelowna’s ArtWorks Studio is proud to present the 15th Annual Artists Among Us Art Gala!

Every year CMHA Kelowna hosts an evening of art and community as we celebrate the accomplishments of our ArtWorks Studio participants. The Artists Among Us art gala is a celebration of mental health recovery and wellness for people with lived experience. This unique show promotes wellness and channels creativity to support one’s mental health. 70% of each art piece sold goes directly to the artist and 30% supports the ArtWorks Studio in our Wellness Development Centre.

Join us at the Kelowna Art Gallery on Friday, October 4th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.

This is a free community event with art available for purchase!

About the theme for the 2019 Artists Among Us Art Gala is Celebrating the Circle. The circle symbolizes or tells the story of togetherness where each person is equal and each one belongs. It symbolizes togetherness. The values of the circle include honesty, trust, visual contact, accountability and connection. Most importantly there is inclusiveness within a circle, where no one is alone or left out. “In every one of us there is a deep desire to connect to others in a good way. Circles assume a universal human wish to connect to others in that good way.” – Unknown The intention of the artwork is to open hearts to understand, respect, connect with one another and foster well-being.

 

Featured at this year’s event is the Full Circle Art Project! The Full Circle Project is an art and storytelling initiative as part of our Women’s Wellness Programs. The project was facilitated by Rena Warren consisting of 8 workshops and group projects led by 3 local artists – Lee Claremont, Lynne Turner and Sharilyn Kuehnel with each featuring a different medium. The circle serves as a literal and conceptual starting point and theme throughout. These works will be available for viewing at the Kelowna Art Gallery in September and for purchase at our annual Art Gala on October 4th. Funding for the Women’s Wellness Programs at CMHA Kelowna comes from the funds raised through Shoppers LOVE. YOU. Run for Women – Kelowna. Find out more about this program and the Shoppers LOVE. YOU. Run for Women.

More about ArtWorks: The ArtWorks Studio is a comfortable and welcoming space for an adventure in learning new skills, to have an avenue for self-expression and to create art as a pathway to wellness. The studio is a place where we nurture the creative spirit and honour the whole person. Many participants of the ArtWorks Studio have overcome isolation, achieved a sense of belonging and built a stronger connection to the community. The studio offers art classes taught by local artists and covers a wide variety of techniques and mediums that are put to practice during open studio sessions. The overall experience is one of wellness. Find out how art and creativity can improve your mental health!

Thank you to our 2019 Artists Among Us event sponsors and partners:

 

Presenting  Sponsor

 

To sponsor the 2019 Artists Among Us art gala please contact Shari Slattery, Fund Development Manager.