Hope is at Hand: collaborative artwork celebrates wellbeing

The creative skills of the Hope Community Services (HOPE) team and clients are now on display in a collaborative artwork featured in the ACCESS ABILITY Exhibition in Karratha.

The colourful artwork – titled Hope is at Hand – was borne from a collaborative painting workshop hosted by the HOPE Pilbara Community Alcohol and Drug Service (PCADS) and facilitated by Karratha artist and BLB Creative Director Sarah Roots.

Earlier in the year Ms Roots approached the PCADS with the idea of producing a collaborative artwork for the upcoming exhibition, and the team were only too happy to host a the event.

The work was a collaborative effort. Ms Roots included the stencil of the HOPE logo (or ‘hug’) prior to the event and the surrounding designs and motifs were contributed by team members, clients and other community members.

As part of the workshop, Ms Roots encouraged participants to depict their own ideas on social and emotional wellbeing through use of shapes and repetition and ‘surrendering to the process’

Connection through collaboration

Toyah McCarthy, HOPE Pilbara Prevention Coordinator, said that not only did the collaborative painting event produce an eye-catching artwork, it was an opportunity for participants to connect with others and experience the benefits of creative expression.

“The event was a nice opportunity for our PCADS team to chat with people, to connect with them,” she said.

“At the same time, it allowed everyone involved to explore their creative side. This is important as we know that creative pursuits, like drawing, painting or writing, are all beneficial to mental wellbeing.”

The event and the artwork have proven so successful that HOPE is now working with Ms Roots on a second project – a community art mural that will feature at the Karratha Shopping Centre.

The ACCESS ABILITY Exhibition, presented by the City of Karratha, will run until May 3.

The HOPE PCADS provide alcohol and other drug services throughout the Pilbara.