About The Arts
One aspect of the Birch Rehabilitative Day Program is to integrate artistic components such as painting and sculpting into the Recovery process. Founded over twelve years ago, the Expressive Arts program has grown and continues to teach our members fundamental principles of the arts.
Artist Jim Tindall teaches members a wide array of the visual arts. Birch believes the artistic experience helps the individual in many areas of their life. The artistic experience creates a level playing field in which to communicate with others, enhances self-confidence and self-esteem and allows individuals to express their emotions and thoughts in a safe and powerful way. Beyond building just within the individual, we see the arts as a way of building a bridge to the community.
Over the last ten years, our artists have sold over $200,000.00 in art, photography, poetry and music. Hundreds and hundreds of paintings hang in homes and businesses all over the state. Community leaders sing the praises of our members. All because someone had a thought, an idea, and the initiative to make the simple move to write a word, make a brush stroke across a canvas, or sing a song.
The hard work and dedication of our artists culminate each year into a celebration of their experiences during our Annual EXPRESSIONS Art Show and Sale held at the Arkansas Governors Mansion each spring. It should be noted all profits from the sale of paintings go directly to the artists. Many members have found a new identity through this powerful process.
For more information about the Expressive Arts program, contact the following:
Jim Tindall, Expressive Arts Specialist
jtindall@birchtree.org
Luke Kramer, Director of Development
lkramer@birchtree.org
Stacey Kuchinski, Program Director
staceyk@birchtree.org
Sandy White, Associate Director of Program
sandywhite@birchtree.org
