I am a diverse minded artist who wants to contribute happiness to the world to help break stigma and offer smiles... And I appreciate my peers sharing artistry
I totally agree with Nouleng...The Peer Recovery Art Gallery welcomes the local communities with so much more then just the love and support. The center helped me rehabilitated myself back to find a whole new meaning of life to embrace our communities and cultural roots.
Thank you so much PRAG and the staff/members ^_^
The Peer Recovery Art Gallery is truly community based. The center is accepting of all individuals without regard to their artistic ability or community standing. The focus is sincerely one of authentic acceptance. As a member of the general public, I have been impressed by the array of services/events available. As a non-profit partner, I am astounded by the level of support the Gallery extends and the expertise of their volunteers.
One of a kind! They have a great youth program for aspiring artists and they participate in the community such as in the Thursday night Art walks and youth outreach programs. Everyone is made to feel welcome and at home. I volunteer as a scrapbook teacher and am a mom of a youth art teacher. They have the best mental health advocacy in this area.
Modesto Artists have worked with Peer Recovery Art Project for years and feels that this non-profit has enriched not just the lives of the artists that it helps but also has enriched the community. It is admired how empowering the organization is to people of all cultures and ages. Thank you Peer Recovery Art Project for all you do and will do in the future.
I have worked with Peer Recovery Art project as a catalyst, and momentum builder for many of our youth who need an outlet and alternative to programs that may not be able tor relate. Our youth have shown an interest and a desire for more creative programming as such.
My daughter has shown her art with Peer Recovery Art Project for over the past two years. This oganization promotes an opportunitiy for all artist to gain self-respect and provides a positive enviornment, which includes individuals of all ages. Thank you Anna McCuistion
Peer Recovery Art Project has given my son a voice via his Art about the Injustices in Society. Expressing himself via Art has allowed him to grow, be aware of his emotions and take his Art to a whole new journey/level. He is proudly a Tattoo Artist in one of the best Tattoo/Piercing Shops in the East Bay. His career as an Artist began in Modesto via Peer Recovery Art Project. Thank you to John Black, Monica Silva and all the Staff that make people's Creative Expression come alive. Si Se Puede...Que Viva La Salud Mental :)! Ana G. Aviles
I have worked within the mental health field as an Occupational Therapist for 20 plus years, and became acquainted with Peer Recovery Art Project several years ago, when they launched. SInce then, I have remained in contact-several times a year and participated in Peer Recovery Art Project, both as a participant in showing art, and overall attendance to their events. Peer Recovery demonstrates there is a road towards a worthwhile life beyond a mental health diagnosis. As my involvement grows, I realize that Peer Recovery Art Project is at the forefront of living this concept, and demonstrating this to surrounding communities. No one mentions mental health within the organization-yet everything that is Peer Recovery is about promoting sound mental health. It is all about welcoming inclusion, and the knowing that everyone now, has a place to go where they can feel involved, creative, and grow within an active recovery. Truly this organization is at the forefront of something remarkable-art, in all its forms-in a setting which promotes wellness for young through old-all within a design that not only states community involvement but ACTIVATES community involvement. This is accomplished by attracting all members of the community-together, with no boundaries. Recovery within a mental health diagnosis is now a possibility for many, and a program such as Peer Recovery assists the individual to remain a part of their own communinty. Truly, this is a concept whose time has come! Debra@loving1withmentalillness.com
I found out about PRAP through my involvement with a BHRS program's painting group. Since my first visit here, the Peer Recovery Art Project Gallery has become a second home for me. The environment is so open welcoming that this normally-introverted person is able to interact with fellow artists, art enthusiasts, and other peers. I look forward to staying with this group of awesome people for many years to come!
I love Peer Recovery Art Project! I am a jewelry artists tat was invited to share my experience, strength and hope with gallery. I believe that Peer Recovery Art Project is a needed organization in this community. I am in recovery from alcohol, drugs and bipolar disorder. I have finally found a place to call home. Thank you John Black, staff and all the volunteers atPeer Recovery Art Project.
I work for another local non-profit and collaborated with John Black to procure handmade and painted bowls created by local artists. John put the word out and the Peer Recovery Art Project clients stepped up! People of all ages, races, disability, and varying levels of recovery worked together to create some of the most beautiful pieces of art I have ever seen. I have visited the gallery on several occasions and am always touched by the support given to the clients of the program. Not only has this program helped individuals overcome personal obstacles, it has helped to revive the artistic presence in downtown Modesto. The community as a whole is better because of the Peer Recovery Art Project.
What's great about Art For Freedom Art Gallery is it's "open door" access it offers to all local artists wishing to show their work. After many years away from artmaking I started putting together a body of work late last summer, wondering where or when I would be able to show my paintings. As one of the artist who was in the group show when they first opened to the public, I have since seen a variety of artwork from quite a number of local talent, indicating the scope of the gallery's inclusive outreach. I've been encouraging my former students who are pursuing their own art to contact the gallery that's there to serve them - serving to benefit both them and the community.
Jim Abuan
The uniqueness of this organization is that it combines the two missions of supporting the strengths of people in recovery and helping to revitalize the downtown core of a business district. This is a vision that is powerful because it asks a basic question: "Who is responsible for taking care of our community?" This groups answer is that "It's everybody, including us." Many mental health groups talk about the importance of people in recovery belonging, but end up talking mostly about caseloads, funding cuts, crisis, and paperwork. This group puts first things first: community for everyone.
This innovative project focuses on people's strengths and talents NOT diagnoses. It affords opportunities for artists to show their work in a public gallery, free of charge, and for the public to view gallery exhibits, free of charge. It helps people learn new skills, builds self-esteem, and provides a cadre of volunteers to assist other community agencies with projects.
Peer Recovery Art Project and the Arts for Freedom Programs are truly inspirational! The gallery has brought a new light to the downtown Modesto area that shines bright! It is a warm welcoming environment and I am blessed to know such humanitarians as John, Linda, and the rest of the gallery crew and artists. I am a local graphic artist and I have had nothing but positive encouragement and interest in my work and ideas. This place truly warms the heart!
the peer recovery arts project is at the forefront in the field of what works, recovery through action, through self-directed expression, through proving that mental health diagnosis says nothing about one's potential. the painted brain stands proudly behind this incredible project with a whole heart and with open arms. - dave leon, editor and director of the painted brain magazine
The Peer recovery Art Project Gallery is a very heart warming place. When I go there I feel like I can do anything. I have made many friends at the art gallery including some of the workers. John Black is a very nice gallery owner and I am very thankful that he opened the gallery. The gallery is very fun to go to and I love going there. Most of my family does art that is show at the gallery which has helped to get me into the act. I also love how they let me help at the gallery too. Showing my work at the gallery and taking classes there has helped me to become more confident in my art. Elijah B. 9 yrs old.
It is very fun doing art and getting to show my art. I love everything about the gallery. Doing art classes there is very fun and I love it too. Lucas B. 6yrs old
I have been volunteering and showing art for the Peer Recovery Art Project gallery since its opening and for six months prior to their gallery opening. I can say for a fact that I would not of turned to art or giving it much though as a tool to use for an outlet without being introduced to this program. I have gained confidence in my ability as an artist since becoming affiliated with the PRAP gallery. I also greatly enjoy every minute I get to spend at the gallery volunteering. I love getting to help other artist find a home to share their works. The environment created by this program is so warm, loving and inviting. My only real wish for this program is that we get bigger so we can help more people!
More and more I’m learning about my gifts and how to bring them into fruition. John Black has great vision and can see the gifts in each and every one of us. I know firsthand. He has empowered me and put me in the front lines to continue to grow by being a part of Peer Recovery Art Project. It is a great enriching venue for artists like myself. We are able to exhibit work in a place where we aren't judged by our mental illness but accepted as artists.
For too long having a mental health diagnosis has been associated with failure. Peer Recovery Art Project defies that belief by focusing on strenghts and artistic talents. The mission of inclusion based on what people can do (instead of what they can't do) sets the project apart from the rest. They are a model for others in their enthusiasm and tireless effort to disappear the stigma associated with mental illness. Downtown Modesto supports this project, I support it and you can too!!