When it comes to the opioid crisis, creativity is needed by more than government and health officials. The Bissell Centre has already figured that out, and it has a new book to prove it with the recent launch of Cycles and Circles.
The free book, with visual art and written submissions by a few dozen of the centre’s clients, does more than simply raise awareness about people’s experiences with opioids and their perspectives on the health crisis that they have caused: it’s a testament to their creative abilities.
“For us, it was really important to be able to highlight and showcase their work in a way that really honoured the skill and the talent that we have in our community, which can be really difficult otherwise for them personally to do,” said Caitlin Beaton, the Bissell’s director of community programs and services.
The organization works to end poverty and touches many people in Edmonton’s inner city who experience homelessness and serious health issues, including drug addictions. Last summer, it hosted a series of workshops with the help of St. Albert-raised poet Leif Gregersen, author Lea Storry and visual artist Agnieszka Matejko who guided dozens of participants through writing and making art as a way of sharing their deeply personal experiences about opioid addiction.
The result is this magnificent book.
“They worked with our participants to help them develop and refine their craft. I think that just having some mentoring by people who make a living or are professional was a very big boost to their confidence and really help them progress.”
For his part, Gregersen conducted eight sessions of poetry classes, basically approaching people who had an interest in poetry. He guided them through their writing so they could better explain themselves about how they felt about the opioid crisis, he said, commenting on how important the experience was to him as well.
“I just approached people for where they were at. One of the big things about helping people with these addictions and different difficulties was I no longer felt judgmental or blaming towards these people.”
Getting the chance to share their stories about addiction and, in turn, using that forum to help others has also been a therapeutic process for the artists themselves, Beaton said. It might also lead to further artistic opportunities. She indicated that one of the artist leads is interested in pursuing an art exhibit. Whether that works out or not, the Bissell has already seen the prospect of involving more artistic efforts for its clients.
“There have been some individual one-off projects that potentially are arising as a result. I think this is the beginning of the type of work we would like to continue to do to highlight the talent within our community and to help foster that and develop action for people in to the creative community.”
A PDF copy of the book can be downloaded for free at www.bissellcentre.org/cycles-and-circles.
