Nicholson Arts Ltd a charity offering art and craft orientated activities to adults with mental health issues is showcasing a diverse selection of works in a exhibition at Moray Art Centre. The exhibition, which opens to the public on Saturday 23 February, will show work of past and present clients from the region. The exhibition aims to raise awareness in mental health issues and bring the service provided by the charity to the attention of the public. The exhibition covers a variety of themes from landscapes and still life to portraiture and abstract, using a range of media including drawing, printmaking, painting and mixed media.

Robert Bremner, Project Leader of Nicholson Arts Ltd said "As well as bringing attention to the charity the exhibition also gives an important goal to our current clients for which they have been working towards. The exhibition will give many a positive step forward into everyday activities and build a great deal of confidence"

He added, "Creation of art helps our clients in a number of ways. The centre allows individuals who often have very little social interaction to meet people who have had similar experiences as themselves. In attending the project the client explores a variety of art forms and mediums and by doing so begin to develop interests in various forms of art that often lead the client to other activities and social groups."

Nicholson Arts was initially started in April 2001 under the umbrella of Nicholson Training Ltd. It went from strength to strength and it is now an independent company and a registered charity. The main aim of the project is to encourage creativity and well being in adults recovering from or suffering mental health issues as well as adult carers in the community. They provide a free, safe and supported environment in which to learn new skills, to many people who have little or no experience in art. From their base in Elgin they offer a range of activities in structure classes with experienced staff on hand as well as outreach classes in Aberlour and Keith.

Randy Klinger of Moray Art Centre said, "We are delighted to host this community exhibition. It is a well know fact that art can be therapeutic and act as an anti-depressant and Moray Art Centre fully backs Nicholson Arts and the work it does".

Art Therapy is the creative use of paint, pastels, clay or art materials to help people communicate and overcome emotional and mental problems. Art is a powerful form of self expression and is now considered to be a valuable therapeutic tool, particularly in helping to rehabilitate patients who are mentally ill or emotionally disturbed or who just find it difficult to express their feelings verbally.

The exhibition runs from Saturday 22 February until Wednesday 12 March.


Moray Art Centre
The Park
Findhorn
Moray
IV36 3TZ
Tel: 01309 692426
Mobile: 07764615517
Email: info@morayartcentre.org  
Web: http://www.morayartcentre.org
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