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Benefits Peninsula’s Behavioral Services

Artsclamation! is an annual fine art sale that supports behavioral health care services at Peninsula, a division of Parkwest Medical Center. What’s new this year? Artsclamation! is going virtual — that means anyone with an internet connection can participate. This virtual art sale and  fundraiser supports critical programs and care for patients and families served by Peninsula. The event also increases awareness of mental health issues in East Tennessee, which have been on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting Mental Health

Your support of Peninsula is more important than ever. The goal of Peninsula’s team of counselors and physicians is to help every individual served achieve and maintain a higher level of functional independence at home, school, work and leisure.

One in four people in East Tennessee suffers from a mental illness or addiction.
There is a significant gap in funding for mental and behavioral health services, so
funds raised each year at Artsclamation! help fill those funding gaps. Proceeds in
past years have funded an outdoor respite garden and activity areas at the hospital,
transport vans for outpatient therapy groups, inpatient pediatric play areas and comfort rooms for patients in crisis.

Elizabeth Clary, BSN, RN, MHA, vice president of behavioral health for Peninsula, said, “Peninsula relies heavily on proceeds from Artsclamation! and it is our only fundraiser. We are committed to being good stewards of every dollar spent to provide care and treatment for those that need us. Funds from this event assist Peninsula with therapeutic spaces and activities for our patients that would otherwise not be an option.”

Clary also noted how the community’s support of this year’s virtual art sale will help providers meet a public health need, which because of the impact of COVID-19, has become even more critical.

How Does a Virtual Art Sale Work?

A secure e-commerce site has been created for online art sales, and interested individuals can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. Members of the public may directly purchase artwork from 46 professional artists and Peninsula client artists. Other items for sale include calendars, posters and prints featuring participating artists’ work.

Featured Artist Sarah Pollock

The 2020 Artsclamation! featured artist is oil painter Sarah Pollock, who creates landscapes and cityscapes that reflect her journey throughout the country. She is a former color stylist for Walt Disney Feature Animation and now works as a professional artist in East Tennessee. Pollock often paints outdoors to capture the many beautiful landscapes around her home. Pollock’s featured piece is called “Autumn Blaze,” portraying the Middle Prong of the Little River in the Great Smoky Mountains at the turn of fall. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this featured piece will go to Peninsula.

An Important Cause

Peninsula has helped thousands of people recover from disorders and dependencies to
lead healthy, productive lives. Peninsula provides inpatient and outpatient services
for children, adolescents and adults in Knox and nearby counties, including individual and
group therapy, specialized programs and peer support groups. Behavioral care is also
provided at Parkwest Medical Center for senior adults with co-existing psychiatric and
medical conditions. To view this year’s selection of paintings, jewelry, glasswork, pottery and sculpture available and make a purchase between Oct. 23 and Nov. 30, please  visit Artsclamation.mybigcommerce.com.