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Cahaba Mental Health artists work on display at YMCA

The Selma Times-Journal - 7/16/2017

After being shown in a state show, artwork from painters at Cahaba Mental Health can be viewed a little closer to home.

Four pieces made during the day program at Cahaba Center will hang in the front lobby of the YMCA of Selma and Dallas County for several weeks.

The four artists featured in the state show were Doris King, Annette Lassitter, Henry Ward and Derrick Winston.

"They painted the pictures during the day program and they were able to be in the Department of Mental Health's art exhibit in Montgomery," said Carrie Bearden with Cahaba Mental Health. "Most of the individuals also participate in swimming at the Y so they come to the Y every week and have a relationship with the Y."

Bearden said having the art displayed at the YMCA, given the artists' relationship with the Y, is extra special. Ward even worked at the YMCA for a time.

"The Y has been so good to us," Bearden said. "We just wanted to highlight the artists' skills and our relationship with the Y and how good they are to the Cahaba Center."

Over the years, Bearden said the YMCA has provided Cahaba Center with a swim coach for Special Olympics, and they have made accommodations for swimmers who use wheelchairs.

Ann Murray, executive director of the YMCA, said the Cahaba "exhibit" might be the first of more to come at the YMCA.

"We love having people from Cahaba Mental Health here, but we also love having artwork here," Murray said. "It's our first exhibit, and we are open to having more. It would be a great opportunity."