The Orion Art Center, a non-profit arts organization in Lake Orion will present The Healing Power of the Arts, July 15 through August 5.
The show is a collaboration between The Art Experience, Inc., also a non-profit agency, and Orion Art Center.
‘This unique and inspiring exhibit has been created to bring attention to the important role that art and creativity play in the healing process,? said OAC executive director Reggie Harrison.
An opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m. at the OAC.
Along with the works of dozens of local and regional artists, the show will feature the mixed media works of Kay Douglas of Windsor, Ontario.
Douglas, artist and author, published her first children’s book entitled “Yours for the Dreaming,? in 2006.
The just-released second edition includes working exercises for the six-step process featuring art as a tool that gives the reader license to create and dream.
“The use of our creativity becomes a powerful tool when applied to the healing process, and is innate in all of us,? said Douglas. ‘Empowering the reader to use their own creativity is key in activating the imagery necessary to express exactly what they feel.?
That expression, she noted, becomes ‘a powerful release, a healing place”,
Since the introduction of her book, Douglas has facilitated workshops, teaching her creative process to inspire artists of all ages.
While walking participants through the concept-to-presentation process, outcomes from past workshops have been ‘rewarding, passionate and inspired,? she said.
“Providing a window to the creative spirit is a matter of bringing it to the person’s attention and showing them how to open it,? Douglas explained. “This transformation is truly a sight to behold and the outcomes related to healing are as individual as the person.”
The full exhibition was most recently shown at the Gibson Gallery in Amherstburg, Ontario and includes 32 pieces.
Healing Power will feature a cross section of 6 pieces from the installation, with many moving pieces that feature a story of healing, hope and transformation by the artists.
The exhibit marks the fourth time the two organizations have partnered to make this show a reality. The show was featured at The Art Experience in June with Ellen Stern as the featured artist.
The Healing Power of the Arts is sponsored by Bob and Maggie Allesee.
“Yours for the Dreaming” second edition will be available for sale at the OAC, with proceeds benefiting the center with book signing at opening event.
Kay Douglas? workshop is August 14 from 9 a.m.-noon.
The OAC is located at 115 South Anderson Street in Downtown Lake Orion. Call 248-693-4986 or visit www.orionartcenter.org for more information.