It is with honor that I have accepted a request to provide a song to support the Art of Recovery benefit celebrating the artists of Community Support Services in Akron, Ohio. The Art of Recovery showcases original artwork created by folks participating in the Expressive Arts program at CSS. Many of these individuals are living with severe and persistent mental illness.
Engaging in activities of creative self expression has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. It can help to process trauma and decrease stress as one works through struggles and anxieties.
Since I was a young child, creative self-expression for me has involved listening to, composing and performing music - it is still how I become centered and maintain my own wellness. For others it can be dance, poetry, or story-telling. For the folks in the Expressive Arts program at Community Support Services - it is their drawings and paintings. Whatever the expression, art, in all its forms has the potential to promote healing.
The song I have contributed to the Art of Recovery is called Brand New Day. It speaks to finding that thing in your life that unlocks your potential, helps you to grow, and makes your life better. The video presents the work of the fantastic artists in the Community Support Services Expressive Arts program.
Auction bidding on the artwork will occur beginning Sunday, August 2 until Thursday, August 6th. There will be a live stream from 6:00 -7:00 on August 6th when the auction will close. Thanks for listening and supporting this important program.
Hear the song here: https://garsongsmusic.com/track/2425837/brand-new-day
See the video here: https://youtu.be/5S0yDGDvvAY
Visit the auction site and view the artwork here: https://one.bidpal.net/artofrecovery/welcome
Live stream on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/910572846114024/