The 15th annual Expressions Exhibit at the Steinbach Arts Council is currently featuring the work of nine artists from across southeastern Manitoba that communicates their various struggles with mental health.

(Left to right) Paulette Fournier-Jones, Kim Heidinger, and Mandy Giesbrecht“This is meant to give our community a greater look into what mental health problems are and, more importantly, who the people are.” indicates Expressions Spokesperson and Organizer Kim Heidinger. Though she would not consider herself an artist, she believes the creative process can be used to release pent-up emotions.

“My head is a very busy place, continues Heidinger, “and sometimes I need to take stuff out of my head and put it on paper.”

Mandy Giesbrecht is one artist who is displaying artwork at the SAC. She takes and edits photographs, changing them into something entirely new. Giesbrecht explains that her own style of photography has helped her in dealing with anxiety and depression.

“Creating art is incredible,” notes Giesbrecht, “Since I have started doing it I have seen so much improvement in myself. I can show what I am thinking in my mind when I see a scene and then show the world what I see.”

Another artist, Paulette Fournier-Jones, lives with depression and PTSD. She agrees that art can be incredibly therapeutic: “It has always helped me put my anger, frustration, and sadness onto a canvas. You have to be very vulnerable to put yourself out there.”

Heidinger notes that the Expressions Exhibit will be available for public viewing at the SAC until October 26 and encourages people to come “see the artist, not the illness”.

Paulette Fournier-Jones explaining some of her artwork