“Art & Soul” VI exhibit debuts tomorrow night

“Art & Soul” VI exhibit debuts tomorrow night

ASU Mid-South hosts Mid-South Health Systems, DeltaARTS presentation

ralphhardin@gmail.com “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”

So said monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist, and scholar Thomas Merton.

Mid-South Health Systems is proud to partner with ASU Mid-South and DeltaARTS to host the annual “Art & Soul” art show this Thursday night, Feb. 7, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., in the Donald W. Reynolds Center at ASU Mid-South.

For almost five decades, Mid-South Health Systems (MSHS) has been a vital part of eastern Arkansas communities, continually growing and expanding to ensure the best mental health services available.

“Art & Soul: A Creative Journey Towards Recovery” is a collection of artwork that MSHS clients have been working on throughout the previous year.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our clients to use art as one of the many coping skills offered by Mid-South Health Systems, as part of their overall treatment plan in our Rehab Day program,” says Kathy Sorrels Daniel, MSHS Art Program Director.

This is the sixth “Art & Soul” exhibit and the artists’ work showcases a number of talents across a variety of styles and subjects.

“Our classes provide a diverse introduction to several different media, including drawing, painting, throwing pottery, sewing, sculpture, paper mâché, jewelry, photography, and other mixed media.

All levels of students can excel, and oftentimes are surprised at their own achievements, especially when they sell something at this show. To create something with our own hands is a very gratifying experience, and I get great joy witnessing my clients create something meaningful to them. I often say, ‘We make art out of our mistakes,’ and some of our best pieces have come from that.”

One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the artwork sold at “Art & Soul” goes to the artists. Artwork may be purchased during the opening reception or by calling the DeltaARTS at 870-732-6260. This exhibition is made possible with support from the Rockie Smith Endowment for the Arts at ASU Mid-South.

By Ralph Hardin