White Rock art show highlights mental health

As mental health, and mental illness, continue to dominate the headlines, a White Rock event brings connection and healing to the forefront, via art.

Together with Fraser Health, Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, and the City of White Rock, Surrey-based nonprofit organization Options Community Services is hostingExpressions Community Art Exhibitionat White Rock’s Landmark Pop-Uptown Art Gallery. 

This is a celebration of recovery, community, and connection. 

Showcasing the artwork of local individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges, Expressions highlights that everyone has unique strengths, abilities, and the potential to lead meaningful, connected lives in their community. The art pieces often illustrate a variety of lived experiences, and all showcase the creativity of those from the community who have been both brave and bold in using art as a form of self-expression, therapy and/or storytelling.  

This exhibition celebrates social inclusion to support recovery, reduce harmful stigmas, and showcase the creativity, strengths, and meaningful contributions of people living with mental illness, through the values and principles of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. The art exhibition also highlights that recovery is possible- with community, connection, and care.

All artist participants are part of either the Options Community ServicesWhite Rock Supported Living Program, and/or The Whale House Clubhouse and/or The White Rock Mental Health & Substance Use Center/Fraser Health.

The public grand opening event is on Sept. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. and will be open to the public throughout September on Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery is located at 15140 North Bluff Road in White Rock.