Boxcar art show breaks down barriers, stereotypes

Boxcar Books is hosting a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday to celebrate the kick-off of its monthlong exhibit. The reception will feature paintings from artists in the Horizons Art Therapy Program at the Center for Behavioral Health, a Bloomington-based nonprofit mental-health association.\nArt therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art and the process of psychotherapy, according to the Center for Behavioral Health Web site. It can be used with people of all ages to treat problems such as anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses. \nThe exhibit features 20 collaborative clients from the Center for Behavioral Health who use art therapy as a way to improve physical, mental and emotional well-being, according to a press release from the Center for Behavioral Health.\nSteven Slothard, an employee of the Center for Behavioral Health who volunteers at Boxcar Books who coordinated the exhibition. Slothard said he is optimistic about the turnout based on a previous show that was held at Sweet Hickory. \n"The goals for the artists are to express themselves, develop coping skills, relax, meet friends and gain self-esteem," he said. \nThis exhibit originally debuted Dec. 2 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. It will be on display until Feb. 2 at Boxcar Books, 310A S. Washington St. \n"Through their art projects, clients gain experience in developing their creativity and their persistence and patience to successfully complete works of art," Slothard said.\nHe added the community can learn about mental health and explore alternative therapy at this event.\n"This exhibit will be a good way to break down the barriers and stereotypes of mental illness in the community," Slothard. "This way people can see that art can be used not only as a form of entertainment but a technique to enhance mental health."\nAlthough none of the artwork will be on sale, smaller replicas of the art in the form of thank you cards will be available for $4 during the opening.\nThis event is free and open to Bloomington and the surrounding community. Refreshments will be provided.\nTo find out more about the exhibit, visit www.the-center.org. \n-Arts Editor Lindsey Landis contributed to this report.