The Missouri Mental Health Foundation, in collaboration with Missouri State University, presents the opening of the 2012 Director’s Creativity Traveling Showcase on Friday, September 7, 2012, at the Center City Counseling Clinic – Missouri State University, Park Central Office Building – 240 South Avenue in Springfield. The art exhibit will be held in conjunction with the “First Friday Art Walk” in the Downtown Arts District, which offers original art, live music, art demonstrations, food, fun and more in participating venues from 6 – 10 p.m. Enjoy the art and experience Springfield’s favorite free arts event!

“Making the art available for public viewing is just one of the ways we can help reduce stigma associated with having a mental illness, developmental disability or substance abuse issue,” says Patty Henry, Executive Director of the Missouri Mental Health Foundation. “The artwork is inspiring and shows the amazing talents of many individuals faced with mental health issues.”

The artwork is created not only for the showcase, but also as a means of therapy and recreation by people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or substance abuse who are served by the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

“The Missouri State University Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education is very pleased to have this opportunity to partner with the Missouri Mental Health Foundation to showcase the creative works of individuals served by the Missouri Department of Mental Health,” says Tamara Arthaud, Department Head, Missouri State University. “It fits nicely within our university’s public affairs mission to assist in this effort to reduce barriers that may hinder the productivity and community participation of persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or substance abuse. We look forward to this public event, and we hope to see a large gathering of the public to view the wonderful artwork provided in this Showcase.”

The Missouri Mental Health Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and public understanding to the many issues that impact individuals and families who are living with mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictions disorders. Increasing awareness and understanding of mental health disorders will help dissolve stigma and open doors to treatment and equal opportunity for participation in schools, communities and the workforce.

For more information about the 2012 Director’s Creativity Showcase contact the Missouri Mental Health Foundation at (573) 635-9201 or e-mail mmhf@missourimhf.org.