NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Healing Arts Project, Inc. held its 5th annual Phoenix Art Gala Thursday night at the Hilton Garden Inn in Nashville.
The works of 90 artists were on display and part of a silent auction. Each of the artists are in recovery for mental health issues or addiction.
"It definitely is part of the healing and the recovery and makes for a more positive everyday experience," said Jane Baxter from The Healing Arts Project.
The artists create their art at Peer Support Centers in cities across Middle Tennessee. HAPI provides art classes, art materials and exhibits.
Belinda Harris is one of the people taking advantage of the art program.
"I'm able to express myself through my art. What I see through my eyes, the beauty I'm able to capture through my artistic ability is what I see," Harris explained.
For many of the participants their art takes them to another place.
"When things are stressful, it just calms me down," said LeAnn Wilson.
John Butts said painting flowers keeps his mind occupied.
"When I'm doing the art, I'm just thinking about, not something else, I'm just thinking about the art," Butts said.
The art gala is a way to send a message to people about what these artists really have to offer.
"That they are very talented people, and that they're not disabled, and that we have something to share with the community," Baxter explained.
Sixty percent of the proceeds from the gala's silent auction went back to the artist. The other 40 percent went to HAPI to help fund the program.
More than 400 people take part in Healing Arts Project classes.
