"Drowning" at Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Conference

Drowning Charcoal on Paper

I was recently asked to have a reproduction of my charcoal drawing "Drowning" be displayed at an upcoming Center for Substance Abuse Treatment conference. This federal agency awards grants that address substance abuse and mental health issues, and shares the results of these efforts through a variety of conferences. This particular conference will focus on how addiction affects adolescents, young adults and their families. CSAT will have a small addiction art gallery consisting of 14 works of art from the Addiction and Art book as part of their annual grantees meeting on Adolescent Treatment Effectiveness next month in Baltimore (December 14-16, 2010 at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel). By invitation only, a wide range of partners (treatment providers, families, youth, community leaders, researchers and policymakers) will come together to discuss the latest advances in adolescent drug treatments, with a particular emphasis on the unique perspective of youth and their families. The 3-day meeting will draw about 750 participants.

Art and Healing at the Mayo Clinic

Lobby at Mayo Clinic

While visiting my father at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota this past weekend, I was impressed with the integration of original artwork and interesting architecture there. The Mayo has an impressive art collection with works covering all media, including glass chandeliers by Dale Chihuly, paintings by Jacob Lawrence, bronze sculpture by Auguste Rodin, along with multiple stained glass windows and ethnographic art from cultures across Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, and the Americas. You can even take an art and architecture tour, self-guided with audio commentary or with a tour guide. Worth a visit if you're in the area.



Man and Freedom Ivan Mestrovic

When the Dr. William J. Mayo and his brother Dr. Charles H. Mayo opened the Mayo Clinic in 1914, they designed their building with a radical new idea: medical buildings should not only be clean and efficient but also inviting and interesting to the patients, staff and visitors. According to the Mayo Clinic's "Art and Healing" pamphlet, "Since its inception, Mayo Clinic has used art, architecture and beauty in surroundings to address the "spiritual aspects" of medical care. From the ornate interior of the original Mayo Clinic building to the use of modern art today, Mayo Clinic has always believed that restoring the mind and spirit is an important part of making the body well - and that art and science together play a role in the healing process".

A great resource for anyone interested in the connection between art and healing is the Arts & Healing Network, where they believe that art is an essential catalyst for creating positive change in the world. Their website lists current projects, artist opportunities, and links to art and healing organizations.



Stained Glass Arch at Mayo Clinic




Glass Chandelier Detail by Dale Chihuly



New Member of Siouxland Artist Coopertive



The Gallery, an artist cooperative

Succumbing to my need to surround myself with a professional peer group, I have recently joined the local cooperative artist group Siouxland Artists Inc. here in Sioux City, Iowa. Although I am self-motivated (mostly) and continue to create art on my own, I tend to create at a higher standard when able to share my ideas with others who can give me encouragement and critical feedback. As with all cooperative artist groups, members cover a broad spectrum of life and artistic interest. Through membership, there are several exhibition opportunities available locally, including St. Luke's and Pickerman's. I will be exhibiting my artwork at St. Luke's February and March 2011. Many members show their work on a more permanent basis at The Gallery located at the Clarion Hotel in downtown Sioux City. The Gallery is run by Siouxland Artist members.

 If you are interested in joining Siouxland Artists or are interesting in learning more about our group, feel free to come to our monthly meeting held the 2nd Tuesday of every month (except December) from 5:00-8:00pm. Meetings are held at the Wilbur Aalfs Public Library in the Gleason Room, Sioux City, IA.

The Gallery is located at the Clarion Hotel, 707 4th Street.