Palm Beach
Watercolor
painting by Breanna Short
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Exhibit Celebrates the Healing Power of
Art
By Jerry Dorsman
“It seemed so tranquil,” says Breanna Short about a
picture she found in a magazine. “I saw the blue colors in the water and the
sky, and I felt calm. I knew I had to paint that scene.”
And that’s what she did.
The result was a watercolor called “Palm Beach” that
she painted last year in 7th Grade Art Class. This year, she
entered that painting into the Expressions of Healing Art Exhibit and it was
chosen as the signature piece.
This piece and other works by Breanna will be on
display in “Expressions of Healing IX” at the Elkton Arts Center Gallery
from May 1 to May 31. Her paintings will be shown along with the works of
more than 25 other artists who participate in programs at Upper Bay
Counseling and Support Services, Inc. and who have in one way or another
used art as a form of healing.
“I used to have problems with frustration and with
getting angry,” Breanna states. “When upset, I had trouble controlling my
temper. It even affected my grades at school. But through the help of my
Upper Bay counselor, Lori Pereira, and Upper Bay’s Therapeutic Day Program,
I was able to turn things around. I learned ways to deal with my emotions”
“Last marking period,” she adds with a smile, “I made
honor roll. That’s a first!”
Each year, Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services,
in collaboration with the Cecil County Arts Council, presents the
Expressions of Healing exhibition.
“This is an ongoing tradition,” notes Sheila Murphy,
MCAT, a practicing psychotherapist and Vice President of Development at
Upper Bay. “We present this remarkable exhibit in May every year as May is
Mental Health Awareness Month. This is one way we have to educate the
community about mental health. But more importantly, it’s about the artists,
the unique men and women, boys and girls who are clients of Upper Bay
Counseling. This is their chance to show off their work and be proud. And
they have a lot to be proud about. This is some of the most beautiful,
heartfelt, and expressive artwork you’ll ever see.”
“I’ve been doing artwork ever since I could pick up a
pencil,” Breanna says, “even if it was just a little scribble here and
there. Now I have my own sketchbook. I draw when it’s rainy or when I get
bored. I also draw when I’m frustrated or angry and it quickly calms me
down.”
She has learned how art plays a positive role in her
life. Similarly, she notes how important a role her father has played.
She lights up when talking about her dad. “I think it’s
because of my dad that I’ve come so far in the past year. He has helped so
much and has been supportive. I love my Daddy,” she says.
Her dad is Brian K. Short. When he first heard that his
daughter’s artwork was being honored in this show, he was thrilled. He
listened when she talked about how much she has been able to improve herself
through counseling, through the day program, and through her artwork. Then
he spoke up. “I’m really proud of her,” he said. “She’s done so well this
past year.” Then he gave her a hug.
“Expressions of Healing IX features a wide spectrum of
styles, media, and art forms,” says Dr. Rich Bayer, CEO of Upper Bay, “and
represents the work of writers and artists from a broad age range. The
artwork itself reveals the individual self-expression and personal growth of
clients at Upper Bay. Each piece is truly an expression of healing.”
According to Murphy who helps to organize this event,
“The creative work in this exhibit has a significant impact on people. It’s
amazing when you listen to the emotional responses this artwork evokes among
those who view it.” Each year, Murphy leads a team of volunteers who work
hard to make this show a success.
If you care about art and artistic expression, this is
an exhibit you won’t want to miss. Stop in and view Breanna’s signature
piece. Then take some time to enjoy the entire show—the expressive and
poignant works created by dozens of other talented, local artists.
The public is welcome on opening day. Upper Bay
Counseling and Support Services, and Cecil County Arts Council invite you to
attend their Opening Reception on Monday, May 1, at the Elkton Arts Center
from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. Music will be provided by three, popular local
musicians, Rob Churnside, Tim McAlee, and Bobby Jones.
The exhibit, “Expressions of Healing IX,” will be on
display at the Elkton Arts Center Gallery at 135 East Main Street in Elkton,
Monday through Friday each week, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The gallery
offers free admission.
# # #
Jerry Dorsman is a local author and freelance
writer. He works part-time as a case manager with clients at Upper Bay
Counseling and Support Services, Inc.
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