By Danielle Wallingsford-Kirkland
Jackson County Drug Court and Family Wellness Court, with the help of local artist Sonya Clemons, will host their first Pictures of Hope Art Show from 12 to 4 p.m., Sunday, October 1 at Pine Brothers Coffee Company, located in downtown Scottsboro.
“Pictures of Hope is a recently developed art program created to benefit the recovery community in Jackson County,” said Erica Weeks, the Family Wellness Court coordinator. “The recovery community is made up of Jackson County Drug Court, Jackson County Family Wellness Court, Family Life Center and Jackson County Court Referral. It also consists of anyone that supports recovery or anyone in recovery. It's a community effort to support those individuals in recovery.”
Weeks said there are a number of benefits to the newly created art program, which consists of classes for both the children and adults of the recovery community.
“Pictures of Hope provides families a much needed experience to work together. Families are not only creating art in class, they are taking their newly learned techniques home and creating art at home as well,” Weeks said. “Not only are children using art skills, they are also putting their geometry and math skills into practice. Pictures of Hope is teaching the adult participants a positive form of self-expression.”
Weeks explained that the program provides those involved with a creative outlet that relieves stress and builds self confidence.
“ It's amazing to observe the children in each class,” Weeks said. “They are fascinated by each new technique that they learn. We have received all positive feedback from both the adult and children's classes. Both children and adults have been blown away at their ability to create new projects.”
The classes are led by Clemons, who has more than 20 years of experience in the field and works as a muralist for many schools in North Alabama.
“Ms. Clemons has a passion for teaching art and inspires creative expression in others,” Weeks said.
Clemons said she enjoys working with the Pictures of Hope program because she feels that art should be made accessible to everyone.
“It improves behavior and stimulates learning,” Clemons said. “The students are excited to see what they can do and learn, and (art helps them) see the world differently.”
Clemons said she teaches the students of the program that art can be found in everyday items.
“I teach them to break things down into smaller shapes, so it doesn’t seem that hard to draw,” Clemons said. “When they achieve a finished product it builds self-confidence. I am honored to play a part in Pictures of Hope and provide a creative outlet for members of our community.”
The art work displayed will consist of paper mosaics, paintings, self-portraits and zentangles.
In addition, a Christmas ornament, created and designed by Clemons, will be debuted and 25 preorders will be taken. Proceeds from ornament sales will benefit the art program.
“Pine Brothers is the perfect location to display art while talking with artists and enjoying coffee. We invite the entire Jackson County community to join us in celebrating these young artists,” Weeks said.
For more information, contact Weeks at 256-609-8659, or visit jacksoncountydrugcourt.org.
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