September 11, 2015, Asheville, North Carolina.

Aurora Studio & Gallery founder and Program Director, Lori Greenberg, at A Healing Light, a group art show at the Asheville Area Arts Council.

On Friday, September 11, 2015, the Asheville Area Arts Council (AAAC) held an opening reception for Aurora: A Healing Light, a group art show featuring the work of nine emerging and experienced artists who have battled with varying degrees of mental health and behavioral disabilities. The show was organized and funded by Aurora Studio & Gallery located in Asheville, North Carolina. This collaborative effort affords viewers a range of visual art; from outsider to abstract and expressionism.

“Again & Again & Again” by Sheila Okelberry.

Lori Greenberg installing work by Rhonda.

Lori adding tags to art the day before the opening reception.

Aurora Studio & Gallery is a program in Asheville, North Carolina that has been offering classes to artists in recovery since the summer of 2013. Founded in 2012 by Program Director, Lori Greenberg, M.Ed, the studio collaborates with local artists and healing arts instructors in the local community in order to offer a collective art space for artists affected by mental health needs, homelessness and/or addiction.

Dawn Eareckson flanked by two of her paintings, “Drummer Girl” and “Nowness”.

The studio provides artists with the space and art supplies to explore their personal creativity, which they could not otherwise obtain or afford. The studio and gallery defines it’s mission as follows:

• Artist recognition and affirmation.
• The ability for artists to express themselves in a way that is healing.
• A sense of purpose – many who suffer from mental health needs often feel impending hopelessness. This opportunity moves individuals towards hope.
• Stress reduction; similar art programs have sited artists’ stress is decreased after program participation, even during times of pronounced behavioral health symptoms.

Artist Trey Mourey points to his painting entitled “A Cutter’s Nightmare”.

The groups of artists functions like a family, supporting each person’s creative endeavors and personal growth. Prior to the start of the event, Greenberg and the participating artists gathered into a circle of support which is an integral part of Aurora Studio’s program.

Group circle of support before show.

Lori encouraging artists as they each offer words of positive affirmation.

The participating artists of this event are Dawn Eareckson, Trey Mourey, Sheil Okelberry, Robert Ransom, Rhonda, Tela, and Gail Stoneman. Most of the work on display is available for purchase. Greenberg feels that guests “will see that there is a light that shines for everyone visiting this exhibit.”

Poet/artist Sheila with here works “Rescue Me” and “Look to the Heart”.

Artist Robert Ransom with his light sculptures.

A short film by author/artist Rita Zoey Chin (who could not make the opening reception) was presented to guests at 6:30 pm. The film explored creativity and the healing process as it pertains to wellness and the author’s own experience with panic disorder.

Food for the event was donated and catered by Everyone Cooks located in Asheville.

Food donated and catered by Michele Gentry (right) of ‘Everyone Cooks’.

Aurora Studio & Gallery offers a supportive art studio for artists in recovery from mental health needs, addiction and/or homelessness. Individuals with experience in counseling and the arts are encouraged to volunteer or participate in the studio’s ongoing programs.

Works by Gail Stoneman and Rhonda.

Works by Dawn Eareckson. and Robert Ransom.

As part of the exploration of art and healing, there will be a panel discussion held on Saturday, September 19th, from 3:30 – 5pm also at the Asheville Area Arts Council. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Daniel Johnson and panelists will include artists from Aurora Studio and other area artists, who will discuss the link between the arts and their own healing process.

The AAAC is located at One Page Avenue in the The Grove Arcade Suite 143A & 144 in downtown Asheville. The exhibit runs from September 10-20, 2015.

Aurora Studio is a non-profit that accepts donations. For further information, visit http://www.aurorastudio-gallery.com/

There is a light that shines for everyone. Light sculptures by Robert Ransom.

All images © Joe Longobardi. All Rights Reserved.
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