Art Therapy Institute © 2011
Arts and Peer Support Group
"Thank you. You gave me my joy back."
--quote from inpatient artist after daily occupational arts group.
Brushes with Life: Art, Artists and Mental Illness is a creative arts program run through UNC that partners with people living with severe mental illness. All artists involved with the program are affiliated with the Schizophrenia Treatment and Evaluation Program (STEP), Outreach and Support Intervention Services (OASIS), Club Nova (a local clubhouse for persons with mental illness), and XDS, Inc.
Brushes with Life has an exhibition space in the UNC Neurosciences Hospital which showcases artwork done in the inpatient psychiatric unit as well as artwork done by affiliated clients outside of the hospital.
Currently, ATI therapists are collaborating with UNC Hospitals to offer an outpatient Arts and Peer Support Group affiliated with the Brushes with Life program. This weekly group held in the community allows artists living with mental illnesses to come together to make art in a safe, supportive atmosphere.
If interested in volunteering or providing financial support, please contact Hillary Rubesin at hrubesin@ncati.org.
Image created collectively by participants in the Arts and Peer Support Group.
