Members of Caminar for Mental Health’s Art Therapy program, supported by Aroha Philanthropies, now have an opportunity to share their art and stories of recovery with the world.
On May 4, Philz Coffee in San Mateo opened its doors and its walls to Caminar for Mental Health to display close to 40 pieces of artwork created as part of Caminar’s Art Therapy Program. To date, Caminar and Aroha Philanthropies have partnered to help over 100 people in our residential treatment programs find a creative and therapeutic outlet during their recovery.
The program meets during six weekly courses that are instructed by world-renowned artist Michael Collopy.
“It’s very rewarding for our clients to get this type of support from Caminar and the community,” Collopy said. “It’s a validation of all their hard work and their willingness to open up and share their stories of recovery with the world.”
The art exhibit will be on display at Philz Coffee in San Mateo through Sunday, May 8 and is part of Philz Art Liaisons Show. Hundreds of people are expected to see the work of Art Therapy participants.
“None of this would be possible without the support of Aroha,” Collopy said. “Their support has really saved lives and guided Caminar clients on this beautiful path to recovery with the help of art. I could not be more proud of the artists whose work we’ve displayed.”
More about Aroha
Aroha (pronounced: ‘AH-row-ha) is a core value of the Maori culture of New Zealand. The full meaning of the word does not exist in a single equivalent English word. Built on the foundation of love, Aroha combines selflessness, tolerance, kindness, and compassion. Aroha is the creative force that comes from the spirit and is represented in action through generosity. This word beautifully embodies the spirit and life philosophy of the foundation’s founder and president, Ellen Michelson, and in 2014 the foundation was renamed Aroha Philanthropies.
Aroha Philanthropies is devoted to the transformative power of the arts and creativity, inspiring vitality in those over 55, joy in children and youth, and humanity in adults with mental illness.
Aroha believes that learning, making, and sharing art enriches everyone throughout their lifetime.
