THE BATTLEFORDS - The Canadian Mental Health Association Battlefords branch jump-started their Mental Health Week events from May 1 to 3, with a showcase of art made by people in the Battlefords on May 1.
Michele Winterholt, the organization's executive director since November 2022, is celebrating Mental Health Week for the first time with CMHA Battlefords branch.
“...I just thought I know that through our programs we do lots of arts, so I thought it might be a good way to showcase their pieces, give the community an opportunity to see what they do and the talents they have,” Winterholt said, as it was the art show's first year.
“Mental health through art is a real thing. Being able to challenge your thoughts and feelings, allows you to kinda just bring out your creativity and your feelings … we thought it was important to show that mental health through art is about healing.”
The theme for Mental Health Week this year is ‘My Story,’ touching on the fact that everyone has mental health, and everyone has a story.
“This [the art show] is a really good depiction of someone telling their story through art … not everyone journals to speak their stories, art is really a representation of individual story through their craft.”
CMHA Battlefords branch also planned a walk for mental health event, scheduled for Wednesday, May 3.
“It’s always nice to get out into the public and show our support for mental health, and continue to help remove those stigmas that exist out there,” Winterholt said, adding, "and to make sure that people know we’re here in the community by being seen."
For more information about CMHA Battlefords branch, visit their website.
