Artreach

Artreach supports mental health recovery for approximately 60 low income adults with psychiatric disabilities, plus community members who want to use the arts for mental wellbeing. These events build both artistic and life skills; reduce isolation; and educate the public, reducing mental health stigma. Artreach is now fully hybrid. Transportation is provided to people attending in-person; and technical support and equipment are provided for those attending virtually. Approximately 1,000 audience members attended Artreach theater and music performances during the year. These numbers include live theatrical and music performances, virtual presentations, art exhibits and related activities.theater: the second step players revived comedy sketches from the archive, rehearsed and performed a staged reading for an invited audience.new theater: "the waiting room" is a newly devised play. This theater for social change piece addresses racial disparity in mental health and healthcare. There is a documentary in progress about the making of the work, and its impact.music: the music heals coffeehouse project rehearsed for 4 months with public performances held at a local theater. The accompanying art show featured member-made art on the same theme as the music. The art classes were concurrent with music rehearsals, culminating with an art show at the coffeehouse performances. Artreach's jazz group practices weekly, and plays at art openings. Guitar and bass lessons are available virtually. Annual participation in international "make music day. "art: art classes are held weekly throughout the year. Resulting art exhibits in the community share members' work with the public; including ongoing exhibits at the public library of new london.virtual and in-person classes:year-round classes continue both in-person and through zoom. This hybrid model will continue, erasing geographic and other barriers to participation. Classes include music, writing, acting and painting. Classes are taught by Artreach staff and members as well as local professional artists. Wellness and recreation: curated virtual group tours to worldwide arts and cultural sites, virtual meditation and movement, book clubs, groups in bullet journal and the artist's way, in-person walking club and community outings.