March 1, 2010
Participant members from Johns Hopkins Bayview's Creative Alternatives program will display their works of art at an exhibit at The Johns Hopkins University from March 1-19, 2010. These self-taught artists have persistent mental illness and creating art is part of their therapy and treatment.
During the exhibit’s run, there will be a reception on Sunday, March 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Second Decade Society Room (101), F. Ross Jones Building, Mattin Center, 3400 N. Charles St., Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus. The artists will be available to showcase their work and discuss its meaning.
“Art is an important component of members’ therapy at Creative Alternatives,” notes Eylem Sahin Mudd, mental health therapist at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. “Creativity exists within all of us, and expressive arts therapies allow members to unleash their unconscious thoughts and elaborate fantasy worlds to illustrate extreme mental states. It helps them express hidden emotions, reduce stress, fear and anxiety, while providing a sense of freedom. Patient artists can teach us that there is no limit to our imagination, and imagination is the beginning of creation."
Mudd also says, "Something very powerful goes on while the members are immersed in their art work. I see their new perspectives, a non-conditional acceptance of the self and others and equally artistic and humanistic thoughts spread all over the therapy room to the edges of their paint brushes."
About Creative Alternatives
Creative Alternatives is an innovative program that serves about 180 adults who have serious and persistent mental illness, and have not benefited from traditional services. The program combines mental health treatment, rehabilitative services and assistance with daily living. Program members have the opportunity for community integration and personal growth. They're helped with medical and mental health needs, and assisted in achieving their goals. Goals may involve: housing, employment, transportation, education, substance abuse treatment, legal assistance and financial management
Upon entering the program, members receive services from a team of professionals that includes a psychiatrist, nurse, case managers and community aides. A team member is available 24 hours a day in the event of a crisis or just to offer reassurance. Specialists in employment, social/recreational and entitlement programs also support the members. Members do not have to pay to be a part of the program. The Creative Alternatives team works with members (participants) in hospitals, shelters and in the community.
