In celebration of their 30th anniversary, Focus Counselling Services, a registered charity (#371) dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals affected by substance misuse and its related challenges, partnered with Masterworks Museum to host an exhibition of local artists titled Celebrating 2nd Chances. The exhibition served to commemorate the past three decades of profound impact Focus Counselling Services has had on the lives of thousands of individuals and over 300 families. The exhibition opened with a special live auction and reception on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 5:30-7:30pm.
By focusing on the theme of transformation, local artists worked to convey honest representations of the journey of recovery and growth. The exhibition aimed to inspire hope for those battling addiction, letting them know that recovery is possible and that there is a supportive community ready to help. As well, it allowed artists and the community to come together, contribute their skills, and collectively support a meaningful cause.
Executive Director of Focus Counselling Services, Leslie Grant, explained “I am excited by our collaboration with the arts community for our upcoming art exhibition fundraiser. We firmly believe that art possesses a unique and transformative power that can drive positive change, and we are thrilled to harness this creative energy for a cause as essential as addiction treatment services. Through this collaboration, we aimed to create a platform where artists, painters, sculptors, and photographers can unite their talents to inspire hope and raise awareness about addiction and recovery. Each artwork has shared a profound story of transformation, reflecting the resilience and strength that lies within those on their journey to healing. By engaging with the arts community, we created a powerful synergy that not only generated vital funds for our addiction treatment services but also fostered a sense of empathy and understanding among attendees. Together, we hope we helped to further shatter the stigma surrounding addiction, promote dialogue, and make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals seeking support and treatment.”
Funds raised from the auction and exhibition were directed towards a comprehensive range of services, including outpatient treatment, residential treatment, and sober living, as well as support to cover the costs of the everyday operations of the organization.
The exhibition would be nothing without the support of the community explained Grant. He shared, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the artists, volunteers, and supporters who are making this collaboration possible. Our shared commitment to compassion, creativity, and community was the driving force behind this event's success. I'm happy to say that we came together to ignite positive transformations, healing, and hope within the lives of those affected by addiction."
Celebrating 2nd Chances opened on Friday August 25, from 5:30-7:30pm and was available to view until September 22 in the Rick Faries Gallery. For more information about Focus’ services or to make a donation, please visit www.focus.bm or call 296-2196.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please don't hesitate to reach out to Focus Counselling Services. They are here to provide the compassionate care and support you need to start your journey to recovery.
