Lemont Art Exhibit Offers Powerful Look into Struggles of Timberline Knolls Patients

For the second consecutive year,  and the Lemont Center for the Arts are hosting a special exhibit featuring the artwork of Timberline Knolls' residents and staff.

The art exhibit, titled "Honesty," is open for public viewing at the Lemont Center for the Arts through Sept. 2. Art therapy at Timberline Knolls helps in the recovery of women and adolescent girls who are struggling with eating disorders, trauma, addiction and other related issues.

"Honesty is the first step in the 12-step recovery process and that's why this exhibit is so meaningful for our residents," said Melissa Rocchi MAAT, LCPC, ATR, clinical program development coordinator and manager of expressive therapies at Timberline Knolls. "Art therapy allows our residents to express themselves without using words and it helps them see things about themselves they didn't know existed. It also helps with processing emotions they may be struggling with, so they can begin to heal."

The Lemont Center for the Arts serves as the Art & Culture Commission headquarters and provides classes and workshops to all residents of Lemont and the surrounding area. The center also presents exhibits by local artists and art groups.

"We're very pleased to have the 'Honesty' exhibit back again this year with new artwork from the residents and staff at Timberline Knolls," said Mona Parry, chairperson at the Art & Culture Commission and artistic director of the Lemont Center for the Arts. "This exhibit represents a part of our mission to support local artists and organizations."

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for women and adolescent girls located in Lemont. It offers treatment for eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders. Many residents use art therapy to explore inner issues. It's a safe way to express strong and sometimes sensitive or destructive feelings. It can be used for stress and anxiety management, to enhance communication between individuals and groups and to explore change.

The Lemont Center for the Arts is located at 1243 State St., Unit 101 in Lemont. Hours for the center are: Friday, noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Open House

The public is invited to celebrate the second installment of "Honesty" during an open house on Tuesday, Aug. 21.

Expressive therapy staff members from Timberline Knolls will be on hand to discuss the exhibit and benefits of art therapy.

The event will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lemont Center for the Arts. RSVP to Melanie Eilers at 630-343-2387 or meilers@timberlineknolls.com.

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