Arts OutWest’s Arts & Health Coordinator Steven Cavanagh assisted the Condobolin Wednesday Art Group to install a wonderful exhibition of paintings and mixed media drawings at Condobolin Health Service. The works went up, in a team effort that included some on-site exhibition set up training, in mid February 2025. It will be seen by staff, patients and visitors to the hospital over the coming months.
This group of growing artists are guided and mentored by local artist Karen Tooth @toothkaren
“Art as a leisure activity can evoke feelings of satisfaction and achievement through the act of creation by elevating self-esteem and self-awareness,” Karen Tooth said.
“Using a variety of mediums and techniques to create art, individuals can channel their emotions into their works, engaging the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal communication. Then of course there’s just the fun of doing art and of producing something that you have made. To place in your home or give as a gift or store in a portfolio as a record of your progress (or put on the grandkids’ fridge!).”
Karen has a background as a High School Visual Arts teacher, Headteacher of Welfare and Creative Arts and more recently providing art tutoring through the ‘Art as Therapy’ Suicide Prevention Project funded by LWRS, NSW PHN and delivered by LWRS AND CAHS.
There is much evidence-based research about the therapeutic benefits of engaging in creative processes. Arts OutWest has a core business in Arts and Health. Our work stretches right across our region with an MOU with WNSW Health. We love supporting health and wellbeing through the creation of rich and diverse arts projects.
Steven – Arts and Health
