Community Studio

The pieces you see in this exhibition have been generously shared by the artists of Windana’s Community Studio Art Therapy groups. Art Therapist Sandra Hatton shares insight into how the groups offer a powerful sense of community to people at different stages of their journey with alcohol and other drugs and help support recovery.

Welcome to the 2023 Windana St Kilda Art Therapy Community Studio Exhibition, Artful Balance.  I hope you gain immense delight and wonder from viewing the featured art.

This joyous program continues to see an increase in participants attending.  People visit and revisit this open style Community Studio as the individual need requires. Astoundingly, hundreds of people have enjoyed and gained benefit from this program across five years.

The program assists people to discover their inner artist while strengthening healing outcomes. Many others reconnect to their art that had been lost under the layers of difficult life experiences. Abstract expressionism flourishes for some, and each piece created is imbued with layers of personal meaning and in some cases just pure creative fun.  Not everyone who participates chooses to exhibit their artwork. 

As a facilitator of this program, I am privileged to get to know and support participants. The indirect therapeutic approach and creative expression slowly unravels increased healing opportunities. A consistent approach, solid framework and safe therapeutic space enables people to have experiences that help on their journey.  The supportive community is a very important feature of the group process and function.  

Benefits are extensive. Some include:

• New friendships

• A sense of belonging

• Helpful community connections and support

• Discovering new purpose and a sense of meaning

• Learning new skills and gaining accomplishment

• Heartfelt exploration and expression

• Laughter and joyful activity

• Reduced anxiety

• Relaxation

• Self-understanding. 

Repeated, positive experiences in the groups enable change, improve wellbeing and allow healing to occur.