Campbell River Family Services Society Presents, Our Journey: Expressions Through Art

CRFSS 2016

“Our Journey: Expressions Through Art” is a remarkable collection of art created by children and youth who have received services at Campbell River Family Services Society from a diverse range of programs. The Counsellors at Campbell River Family Services Society often use creative means when working with children and youth, especially in those cases where there may have been a history of trauma or abuse. According to the British Columbia Art Therapy Association, “Thought and feeling often reach expression in images rather than words… through the use of art therapy, feelings and inner conflicts can be projected into visual form.”

This amazing collection of art showcasing the creations of children as young as six years of age has been made possible through a grant from the Campbell River Community Foundation and in partnership with the Tidemark Theatre and the Campbell River Arts Council.

This amazing collection of art showcasing the creations of children as young as six years of age has been made possible through a grant from the Campbell River Community Foundation and in partnership with the Tidemark Theatre and the Campbell River Arts Council.

“The creativity, originality and feelings expressed by the artists through their work are a reflection of their individuality and resilience,” said Camille Lagueux, Executive Director of CRFSS. “We hope that everyone in Campbell River will join us in celebrating these young artists by stopping in to view the exhibit.”

Marion Bryan is a counsellor who works at CRFSS and uses art therapy regularly in her work with children and youth. She has witnessed the powerful effect that art therapy has in helping children and youth access their feelings. “Creating art therapeutically is more about the process of play and exploration, than about a finished product; although the finished product is often quite profound,” says Bryan.

“Several studies have shown the tremendous benefits that playful activity has for the human brain. Even animals play. Exploring with the art materials in a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere allows children, youth and adults to engage in a process that is fun, improvisational and nourishing without the attachment to outcome or the worry to ‘productive’ and ‘successful’.”

A good number of the pieces in the show come from the talented group of clients who participate in the Campbell River Family Services Art Group sessions every second Wednesday of the month.  Participants, both children and youth, come together not only to create art, but to share stories, eat pizza, listen to music, have a laugh and on occasion even break out into song! The environment is informal, supportive and fun.

The goal of the artists is not necessarily to make something that looks good. But as you will see, the end results are a visual treat, even if you are not familiar with the story behind the creation.  “Creating in this way is often instinctive and taps into thoughts, feelings, memories and ideas that go beyond verbal language,” said Bryan.

“We hope that you enjoy the show and feel honored at being invited to glimpse a small piece of each child and youth’s inner world.”

The Tidemark Art Gallery will exhibit Our Journey:  Expressions Through Art show from March 8th until the end of April at Tidemark Theatre. Gallery hours are from 12-4pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.