Artful Healing. Art Exhibition. Fundraisers.

Research suggests that artistic contemplation and expression can reduce stress levels and improve problem solving, focus, interpersonal skills, and feelings of empathy. Art therapy is an important holistic therapy utilized in treatment at David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider serving children, adults and families.

Many DLC clients find art therapy to be an impactful tool in their recovery. The creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps clients manage behavior, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, achieve insight, and enhance communication skills.

This April, DLC will showcase a sampling of artwork created by adult and children engaged in DLC’s holistic mental health and substance use treatment services at Artful Healing, a fundraising event and art exhibition. The fundraiser is being hosted and sponsored by The Studio at Collective Naples, located at 111 10th Street South, on April 4, 2023, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The art show will feature artistic pieces ranging from watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints as well as drawings. Guest will also enjoy horsd’oeuvres, a silent auction, and entertainment. DLC offers a variety of holistic therapy services that allow clients to express themselves creatively and provide a healthy outlet for stressors.

Proceeds from the event fund DLC holistic services, which include fitness, art therapy, equine facilitated psychotherapy, music therapy, and pet therapy.

Through grant funding, DLC launched an art therapy program in conjunction with a registered art therapist in 2013. Today these services are utilized in inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and community-based settings. Through the program, children and adults in intensive treatment settings learn how to express thoughts and emotions through the use of line, shape, color, and pictorial metaphor. They then process their experiences and associated feelings in a group setting with their treatment team.

“For those struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, art can be a way to express trauma, pain and emotions without words; process complex feelings; and find hope and healing,” said Scott Burgess, DLC CEO. “We are excited to showcase their artistic healing to our donors and supporters, while raising money to expand our holistic and therapy services.”

Individual tickets are $50 per person and include two drink tickets.