Fellowship Health Uses Art to Treat Mental Illness

Editor’s Note: The following release was provided by Fellowship Health Resources Inc.

In conjunction with traditional therapy, one local agency demonstrates just how empowering the creative arts can be in the process of mental health and substance abuse recovery. (FHR), a nonprofit organization located at 723 Wheatland Street, empowers consumers to express themselves through a diverse healing arts and music recovery program called Studio 35.

“Through Studio 35, FHR brings together clinical treatment, peer support, and creative arts to individualize its recovery services,” says FHR President/CEO Joe Dziobek. “It’s a venue for self-expression, resulting in self-confidence.”

Throughout the month of May, Studio 35 artists participated in a local traveling art show. Nationwide, Mental Health America celebrates “May is Mental Health Month” to observe and promote mental wellness for all. Exhibits around Phoenixville for Studio 35’s traveling art show included First Friday at the Colonial Theatre, the Phoenixville Federal Banking and Trust, the Daniel J. Detwiler YMCA, and the Phoenixville Hospital.

“We’re very grateful for the support of the Phoenixville community,” says FHR Regional Director Janet Stanley. “The traveling art show was a way for FHR to put itself out there in the community to break the stigma  surrounding mental illness. Passersby admired all of the beautiful work, and the artists were free to be themselves; artists presenting their work to the community, while challenging the stigma of mental illness with their talents.”

FHR hosted a reception for all the artists and their family members to conclude this art show on Wednesday, June 27. “The Phoenix Village Art Center has supported FHR’s arts in recovery program since the beginning,” Stanley says. “They awarded first, second, and third place awards and free art lessons to these artists. We couldn’t be more proud of everyone who participated in the art shows.”

“The turnout for the reception was great,” says Psych Rehab Counselor Kelly Ann Sirianni. “A lot of our artists never thought they could accomplish such things. Studio 35 is a healing arts program because it gives these individuals something to be proud about and empowers them to continue creating art.”

In the near future, FHR plans to expand Studio 35 locally into the world of music. “We have a lot of consumers interested in learning to play different instruments and we want to make these avenues for expression available for them,” Stanley explains. “It’s their own personal medicine. There are no limits with Studio 35.”   

For more information about Fellowship Health Resources and Studio 35, please visit www.FellowshipHR.org.