Sanctuary Centers Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month with Community Art Show

On Thursday, May 8, Sanctuary Centers of Santa Barbara welcomed a powerful and heartwarming turnout at its first annual Mental Health Awareness Month Art Show at the Integrated Health Clinic, located at 23 W. Micheltorena Street.

The event brought together a vibrant mix of community leaders, clients, local artists, and neighbors to honor and celebrate the intersection of art and mental health.

The art show highlighted the transformative role that creative expression plays in mental wellness and recovery. Guests viewed a wide range of artwork—from paintings and poetry to quilts and mixed media—created by individuals with lived experience, community artists, and Sanctuary Centers clients.

Local artists Hank Pitcher, Donna “DJ” Matchett, Jeff Beckner, and Diana Chavez were among those featured, offering deeply personal and powerful pieces that sparked connection and conversation among attendees.

“Our goal with this event was to create space for healing and reflection, and to showcase how art can speak where words fall short,” said Lola Ban West, Director of Marketing and Development at Sanctuary Centers. “We’re so grateful to the artists who shared their talents and to the community members who came out in support of mental health.”

As part of Sanctuary Centers’ ongoing recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, featured artwork will remain on display at the Integrated Health Clinic throughout the month of May. Community members are invited to stop by during clinic hours to experience the exhibit.

For nearly 50 years, Sanctuary Centers has provided transformative, whole-person mental health care in Santa Barbara, working to break down stigma and support healing through comprehensive, integrated health care services.

For more information, please visit: www.sanctuarycenters.org

About Sanctuary Centers:

Sanctuary Centers of Santa Barbara stands as the leading nonprofit behavioral health care agency in Santa Barbara County. Annually, they provide responsive services to

address the intricate physical and emotional needs of their clients. Committed to the vision of fostering healthy, productive, and independent lives for all receiving mental health care, Sanctuary Centers prioritizes individualized treatment. From inpatient and residential treatment to outpatient therapy and career development services, Sanctuary Centers offers a comprehensive range of services. Join Sanctuary Centers in their commitment to transforming lives by providing comprehensive mental health care.

For further information, contact Sanctuary Centers at PO Box 551, Santa Barbara, CA 93102, by telephone at 805.569.2785, or visit www.sanctuarycenters.org.