San Quentin medical staff and resident artists, teamed up on the facility’s Lower Yard to promote “Art Health and Wellness” through creative expression.
All levels of artistic ability and mistakes were welcome, showing attendees how to process emotions, through improving their coping skills in order to reduce stress.
“I’m so impressed by the quality of art, there is a lot of talent here,” stated SQ Mental Health Therapists. “I’m just happy to see people express themselves, it’s so healthy.
The event included on-site portraits, for people who were willing to participate. Medical staff Vanessa Oats sat in a chair smiling, as resident artist Peter Thao captured her likeness using the medium of graphite pencils on paper.
SQ resident’s displayed paintings that were located near the medical building in a gated area, and a large concrete surface within the area was used to provided room for chalk art.
Multicolored sticks of chalk were provided for the people in attendance, which consisted of outside guests, Mental Health staff and residents using the opportunity to express, importance of art, self-care and mental health.
SQ cartoon artist Jesse Milo spelled the words “California Model,” on a creative fourteen-foot wide arch concrete surface. Milo also drew two of his popular cartoon characters common to his work; he then added phrases like, “things will get better” and “don’t give up,” to the piece.
One resident showcased his talent by drawling an 8×6-feet American flag, and an Eagle with the moniker saying, “I Love America.”
The yard had been filled with a cool breeze, and toward the end of the event it finally warmed up.
Residents and Staff were smiles as they stood within their designated booths distributing Halloween candy from a jack-o-lantern.
“No Color Lines” and “Stop the Violence,” was the last meaningful messages written on the concrete collage to end the event.
