Part of the "Expressions" exhibit in the hall gallery

An art exhibit called "Expressions" opened at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre Friday night.

The works come from people with mental illness who use art as part of their healing process. Spokesperson Kim Heidinger says the exhibit used to be a one night thing, but not anymore. She explains, "We're very excited that Steinbach Arts Council has taken us on as part of their year of exhibits. Instead of just having the art work up for one evening and a couple of hours, the art work is up for the entire month of October. So people get a chance to really look at and appreciate the art and read peoples' biographies. And, we're leaving out information for Mental Illness Awareness Week and some of the mental health problems so people can get more information about it."

Heidinger says contributors have expressed how art helps them cope with mental illness. She read through some of the biographies and the artists say things like, "It makes them feel relaxed and calm and feel free, (it) just reminds there are things in their lives that they can do well, not to be focused on their illness, takes their mind off struggles and stress, and is a way to escape sometimes. And some people said it's like a journey of discovering themselves and, also important, they've talked about building self esteem and courage in doing this."