Dream, Create, Inspire

2013 is sure to bring changes for each of us--a new year, new goals, perhaps new careers, new family additions. Change is good. And here at Gallery of Inspiration, change is happening even before the new year begins.

For those unfamiliar with Gallery of Inspiration: we are a Community Counseling Center, not-for-profit, specialized art gallery designed to showcase the artistic works of several very talented clients of the Community Counseling Center, a private, charitable, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit behavioral health organization located in Cape Girardeau. The Center is the Administrative Agent for the Missouri Department of Mental Health entrusted to provide a full array of comprehensive mental health services within the southeastern Missouri counties of Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Perry, and Ste. Genevieve. Community Counseling Center has served the region since 1974.

The artwork featured in our gallery is the product of each artist's individual explorations with Art Therapy. Ultimately it is the art process itself that allows many of these extremely gifted clients to tap into their creativity--and for some, to overcome many of the day-to-day life issues they face, such as dispelling stigmas associated with mental health.

With more than just one focus, the gallery is also designed to assist CCC artists who are looking for ways to tap into the art community of Cape Girardeau whilst learning valuable work skills. With this being noted, some of the artists featured in our gallery have been successful members of the art community of Cape for quite some time; and for them, the gallery functions as a great way to display their talent and earn them a little extra income. For example, whenever one of our artists sells a piece of their art, 100% of that money goes back to the artist so that s/he can afford more art supplies, thus continuing their independent explorations with Art Therapy.

The artistic community-at-large has been very welcoming in helping establish our gallery in the downtown area. The support and kindness they have shown has been invaluable. But one thing that always seems to surprise people is that our gallery is also home to a fantastic little garment printing service. With our client-operated, direct-to-garment printing service, we can add your company's logo, a photo of your family pet, or a plethora of other images to a variety of textiles: t-shirts, sweat shirts, tote bags, etc. We can even do art reproductions, such as taking an old family portrait, and print it directly onto canvas, which can be stretched, framed, and mounted by the consumer. And it's through this garment printing service that many of our artists are able to participate in their community. For some, it offers valuable work skills. For others, it offers the chance to be productive, get inspired, and ultimately inspire others.

Gallery of Inspiration is a proud participant in Cape Girardeau's First Friday Art Walk that occurs the first Friday of each month. So, if you're out and about on a first Friday, be sure to stop by and see our gallery inside the Bilderbach's Art Plaza at 5 North Main Street in Cape Girardeau. Normal gallery hours are Tues-Fri: 1-6 and Sat: 12-5. For further information, including how you can make a donation to our not-for-profit, please call us at 573-332-0050.

We look forward to seeing you at Gallery of Inspiration.