The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Arts and Disabilities program began a pilot project in art therapy for individuals with a triple diagnosis of mental health concerns, intellectual disability, and substance abuse who have experienced social and legal difficulties. The idea was the outgrowth of work by a committee made up of leaders and staff in the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, several State of Tennessee departments, Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee, Tennessee Drug and Mental Health Court, Park Center East, and other disability service agencies.

Art workshops were held at Park Center East to provide a meaningful day program for these individuals. The workshops were led by a licensed art therapist who helped the participants to foster positive self-exploration, to take positive risks, and to gain a deeper understanding of emotional triggers, particularly as they relate to substance abuse and mental illness. This exhibition is one of the results of this initiative.

Lain York, Preparator
Gretchen Herbert, Arts Coordinator


Exhbit Schedule: April 4-May 9