CMH workers and consumers have created that kind of opportunity; the Great Lakes Creative Arts Project (GL-CAP). “The arts can serve as a vehicle for creative self-expression, social change and personal empowerment.” The project is dedicated to helping the public overcome its biases towards mental illness and developmental disabilities. In Great Lakes Creative Arts Projects participants experience personal achievement and are appreciated for their contributions as artists and as human beings.
Great lakes Creative Arts Project (GLCAP)
Schedule for Session 10 (pdf)
At Community Mental Health we are committed to providing treatment services that allow people to manage their disabilities, to live in and contribute to the community. As an agency we are continually improving our capacity to deliver the highest quality health care.
Contact: glcap@cmhs.co.muskegon.mi.us
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Dance
Tuesday 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Central United Methodist Church, 1011 Second St, Muskegon.
Back by popular demand! Come and get moving, learn dance moves and routines to fun music. You do not have to know anything about dancing to be in this class!
Instructor: Jessica Jakel
8 week session
Class dates: Jan 10, 2012 through Feb 28 2012
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Multi Media/Painting
Wednesdays 1:30 -3:30 pm for Adults
and 4:00 6:00 pm for Youth
Lakeshore School of Fine Arts, 2620 McCrackenNortonShores
Learn the basics of creating beautiful pictures using pencil, prisma color pencils, watercolor and acrylic paints. No priordrawing or painting experience needed.
Instructor: PJ Johnson of Lakeshore School of Fine Arts
8 week session
Class Dates: Jan 11, 2012 through Feb 29 2012
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*Theater/Performance next session
*Look for Photography in the spring |
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Research has shown that the most effective method for reducing stigma associated with disabilities is through direct contact. Art events are a great way of bringing people together.
Creating artwork allows consumers to define themselves by their abilities rather than their disabilities. Organizer, Amy Smith, said, “As a society we tend to view people and their abilities based on outward appearance and labels. However we also admire and respect the talents of artists and athletes; those that have skills we don’t. When we can foster the opportunity to explore talents and showcase those gifts we change the “labels” assigned to the individuals we serve and ultimately the way they are viewed.
Displaying artwork by consumers helps providers see consumers as people rather than as clinical cases. Artwork and artistic expression can work as an “equalizer” between the consumer and others that work with them. It gives them a common interest to discuss and appreciate as equals in the relationship.
“We all rely on others in our world to gain a reference point for our life, our work, or taking risks. Trying something new is always “risky”….what if we fail or aren’t any good? Seeing others be successful helps us take chances and explore new interests. The classes also provide a safe place to grow a new skill and gain confidence, not just in the new skills but in our ability to learn.” says Amy.
GLCAP will be doing a service project at Central United Methodist Church to give a little back for the generous use of their space. Date and time to be announced
