Project Uses Art to Help Addicted
The Shed, a project in England, is using art to help homeless people
and individuals addicted to alcohol and other drugs learn new skills
and work on problems in a safe haven, the Bath Chronicle reported
May 27.
This month, The Shed will be hosting an art exhibition during the
two-week Bath Fringe Festival. Some of the clients will be exhibiting
paintings that reflect their struggles with drugs. Among them is
Lily, 22, who was studying art before getting addicted.
"This exhibition has helped me to stay off drugs because I
have had a deadline and I've been serious about getting back into
art," said Lily. "It helps being around people during
the day. It's something to get out of bed for. If I'm just at home
it's difficult to dedicate myself to a project."
Lily's artwork is part of an exhibition called "On the Fringes,"
a showcase of artworks produced by people living on the edge of
society. The exhibit gives a glimpse of the artist's life beyond
their problems.
The Shed was established in 2001 in association with the Julian
House and Bath Churches Housing Association. Since them, more than
200 people have come to The Shed, many referrals from various homelessness
and addiction agencies in Bath.
"We hope to help people to fill their days meaningfully, to
encourage them to discover skills they have, to experiment and develop,"
said Fiona Henderson, volunteer coordinator for Julian House. "It
would be nice if people could come to see the exhibition and not
just judge the homeless, and those who have issues with drugs, by
what they see on the streets." |
