'Reflective Journeys' - 2009 Art Exhibition
Saturday 2nd May 2009 saw the opening of the third year of partnership between Mental Health Service's and people who use services and the Eagle Gallery, (Castle Road, Bedford).
This year's exhibition was opened by Councillor Anita Gerard. The opening was well attended by Service Users and their families, Saff from BLPT, Gallery Staff and members of the public. The exhibition ran from 2nd until 8th May 2009.
The theme of this year's exhibition is 'Reflective Journeys'. Exhibitors have used various mediums to illustrated their own, personal relections about their journey back to health and the milestones experienced along the way.
The exhibition wa a joyful event combining a chance to look at some spectacular art, eat some delicious food prepared by the Real Renaissance Café Project and spand some time with friends and collegues.
We were all so proud of the sense of workign together to make such a wonderful event, daring to hope for a sale and feeling the glow of seeing "something I made" hanging in an Art Gallery.
The exhibition is important for many reasons, to encourage people who use services to view their work and themselves in a different light. To receive positive feedback, feel proud of their achievements and to feel part of the wider community.
It also feels important to bring the issue of mental health and recovery into the public domain, to encourage the community to see the normality of experiencing a mental health issue, that anyone can be affected and recovery is possible with support, skills and a sense of belonging.
Ccongratulations to all those who participated in making the art, those woh helped hang the exhibition, those woh publicised, those who felt the importance and value of the event and made it happen. Thank You!