This year, through Gifts of Light, the Art Cart program was launched. The Art Cart connects artists who have experienced mental illness to patients on their journey to recovery.
Through this collaboration, CAMH patients are connected with artistic materials and artists who have lived experience with mental illness. Artists bring with them the Art Cart of supplies, having been paired with units based on the specific interests in art mediums and projects of the inpatients there. Artists develop a customized 12-week art program that best meets those patients’ interests. Classes typically run for one hour and are flexible for newcomers to join as necessary.
“We are delighted to offer and support this unique opportunity to our patients,” says Quinn Kirby, Program Manager with CAMH’s Gifts of Light program. “We understand there is a need for more funding around the arts. We also know there is a lot of untapped talent waiting to be discovered and with inspiring workshops such as these, we may be able to change that.”
Through Gifts of Light you can help patients express their emotions and reduce stress.