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Letter to the editor

Mental health center art exhibit showcases work of clients, staff

The Suncoast Center show is Friday at the Royal Theater.

By LIBBY NELSON, Times Staff Writer
Published November 7, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG- Seascapes and saxophones. Poetry and pottery.

The art showcase from the Suncoast Center for Community Mental Health will exhibit them all.

Set for the Royal Theater on Friday, the center's clients and staff will exhibit and perform their art.

Some of the works were produced in art therapy. Others are former artists making a return to their old careers.

"Some of the staff last winter had clients who did some wonderful things they'd like to show," said Meredith Metcalfe, the center's development and community relations manager. "It sort of grew from there and snowballed. ... It's amazing some of the things people are bringing in."

One staff member makes mosaic tables, including the tiles, by hand. A formerly homeless professional artist, who's undergoing treatment, wants to show his old and new work. A young girl will play saxophone while her mother plays piano.

The center has offered art shows before, but this one is larger and has a wider scope than the others, Metcalfe said.

A semiprofessional painter brought in 14 seascapes. A teenage boy drew a wolf's head. A booklet of poetry and essays includes 15 to 20 pieces from participants in the center's services for the homeless.

The pieces range from the simple, including art by children, to the sophisticated, Metcalfe said.

"The clients are so excited to have this opportunity," she said.

"One of the clients, a woman, wrote something for the newsletter about how special it was to be able to express herself."

The pieces will not be for sale because the center doesn't want to play dealer for its clients, but sales can be negotiated with the artists, Metcalfe said.

The artists will be available at the show, and the writers will perform readings, she said.

"Some of the children and a few adults produced the work in art therapy, some of the writing from the writers' group, and some on their own," Metcalfe said. "It's been from all walks of life."

Libby Nelson can be reached at 727 893-8779 or lnelson@sptimes.com

IF YOU GO

Art showcase

What: "Suncoast Expressions: Our Voices in Paint, Print and Song" exhibit.

When: Friday, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: The Royal Theater, 1011 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg.

Cost: Admission is free. Desserts and punch will be served.

[Last modified November 6, 2007, 22:32:39]