The healing power of art is on full display in The Artist is Found (www.theartistisfound.com) – Windana Drug and Alcohol Recovery and SECADA’s second annual online Art Therapy Exhibition.

Over 70 pieces are featured in the exhibition, all created by artists in the Community Studio Art Therapy Program who are on their recovery journey from alcohol and drug dependency.

Sandra Hatton, Art Therapist at Windana explains that creating art can be therapeutic and empowering for artists.

“It helps people express their thoughts, feelings and experiences when words are not enough,” Sandra said.

“The benefits for most people can range from having fun, learning new skills, feeling relaxed, calm and focused through to reinforcing new personal goals and strengths.”

Some artists even share life changing realisations by taking part in the Art Therapy Program.
“Many people discover hidden talents and skills or become so engaged in the creative process that the time passes without any intrusive and unhelpful thoughts disturbing the newly improved sense of wellbeing.”

Molly O’Reilly, Executive Director of Withdrawal and Community Services at Windana agrees, explaining that art, in all forms, offers benefits of artistic expression that stretch the artist beyond relaxation and engagement.

“The Community Studio program provides opportunities for artists to benefit therapeutically and economically in this process.”

Much of the art in the exhibition is for sale, and all the money paid goes directly to the artist.
“I congratulate all of the artists who have the courage, trust, and connectedness to both participate in the Windana Art Therapy Community Studio and for exhibiting their art,” Molly said.

The Community Studio Art Therapy Program is run at Windana in St Kilda and SECADA in Dandenong. It is made possible thanks to the generous support from City of Port Phillip Community Grants and The City of Greater Dandenong Community Support Grants Program.