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Aultman to Host Second Annual Art Therapy Show

September 21, 2012

CANTON, Ohio (Sept. 21, 2012) — Over 25 pieces of photographed artwork will be on display the entire month of October in the Bedford building at Aultman Hospital. All of the artists in the second annual art therapy show are current or past patients of Aultman’s Partial Hospitalization Program or inpatient psychiatry program.

The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is an intensive mental health program that provides therapy in a group setting where patients are able to gain knowledge, support and encouragement. The program is the only one of its kind in the surrounding area and offers cutting-edge mental health treatment to prevent inpatient admissions or to ease the transition from the inpatient setting to home.

Aultman Hospital implemented art therapy into their program in March of 2010. Daily art therapy groups are run by Amber Smith, a board-certified, registered art therapist and licensed counselor, Cathy Manus-Gray, art therapist and licensed counselor, and Fran Mok, registered art therapist and licensed counselor. “Art therapy is used as a tool to help patients explore their problems and have a concrete image to help them see what they are experiencing and get feedback on what they can do differently,” explained Smith. 

In addition to the art show, there will be a display of more than 1,000 paper cranes made by patients, Aultman employees and the community. “There is a Japanese tradition stating anyone who completes 1,000 cranes is granted a wish,” said Manus-Gray. “Our wish is to bring awareness to mental illness.”

The goal of the show is to address the underlying stigma of individuals who deal with mental illness and to show how they can use art as therapy. Aultman’s art therapy show will remain open to the public through October 31st. Information about the PHP program can be obtained by calling program coordinator Teri Lieser, RN at 330-363-5238.