Press Releases

                     Students Participate in “Living Life to the Fullest” Art Contest Hosted by                 
                                             Aurora Mental Health Center on October 24

         Erin Kuechler to share ways in which art therapy and art in general can promote self-esteem in school age children

Aurora, CO, October 8, 2007—Students in grades K-12 in Aurora and Cherry Creek Schools are participating in an art contest as part of Aurora Mental Health Center’s 32nd Annual Celebration on Wednesday, October 24, 2007.

The event will be held at The Summit Conference & Event Center–411 Sable Blvd., Aurora, CO 80011–beginning at 5 p.m.  The event is open to the public at no charge, but registration is required by contacting 303-617-2300 or annualcelebration@aumhc.org by Friday, October 19.

Students from Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek Schools and Aurora Mental Health Center have submitted their best piece based on the theme “Living Life to the Fullest–What makes you happy and love life?” All pieces will be displayed and recognized and the winners in each category will be awarded prizes.

“This event is a great way to bring the community together and really share students’ creative expression,” said Randy Stith, Ph.D., Executive Director for Aurora Mental Health Center.  “Our annual celebration is really all about the community we serve and what better place to focus than on our kids.”

Additionally, Erin Kuechler, a school based and family art therapist for Aurora Mental Health Center, will provide her thoughts on ways in which art therapy and art making in general can promote self-esteem and self-efficacy in school age children.  Kuechler emphasizes art making as a way to promote safe expression of what can sometimes be volatile feelings.

For additional information on this event or to RSVP, call (303) 617-2300, email annualcelebration@aumhc.org, or visit www.aumhc.org.