In an inspiring blend of creativity and care, Baptist Health’s Brookwood Baptist Medical Center is showcasing a powerful art exhibit this May to raise awareness about mental health and the healing power of expression. The annual Mental Health Art Show, running through the end of the month, features striking pieces created by patients during guided art therapy sessions, shining a light on the emotional depth and therapeutic benefits of visual art in mental health recovery.
Located within the hospital premises and open to the public, this special gallery doesn’t just display art—it tells personal stories of resilience, transformation, and hope.
Art as Therapy: Creativity with a Purpose
Behind the artwork is Jennifer Dodd, a dedicated art therapist who works one-on-one with patients to bring their thoughts and emotions to life through drawing, painting, and mixed media. Dodd plays a pivotal role in helping patients express their inner experiences—many of which are difficult to articulate in words.
“The process isn’t about creating a masterpiece,” Dodd said. “It’s about giving patients a safe space to express their struggles, their victories, and everything in between. That expression is a major part of the healing journey.”
Each piece on display is accompanied by a written reflection, allowing visitors to understand the emotional context behind the work. The collection reflects a range of mental health experiences, from anxiety and depression to recovery and personal growth.
A Gallery with Heart and Impact
One of the standout features of the exhibit is a “message wall,” where visitors can learn about the role of art therapy in mental health care. This interactive space encourages people to reflect on the importance of mental health and share their own thoughts or words of encouragement.
Visitors can also support the cause financially. All artwork is available for purchase, and proceeds go directly to the hospital’s auxiliary fund. This fund helps provide comfort items to patients, such as holiday gifts, snacks, and small joys that make a big difference during long hospital stays.
Brookwood’s Mental Health Art Show does more than just fill walls with color—it helps break the stigma around mental health issues. By allowing patients to share their inner world through art, the exhibit creates an open dialogue about emotional well-being and humanizes the experience of mental illness.
Bringing Awareness to Mental Health Month
May is nationally recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. Organizations across the country use this time to amplify education, eliminate stigma, and improve access to care. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, but far too many go untreated due to shame or lack of resources.
Events like the Brookwood exhibit help bridge that gap by bringing mental health issues into public spaces in ways that are engaging, meaningful, and community-driven. They reinforce the message that healing is possible and that it’s okay to ask for help.
A Local Movement with Universal Impact
Though the event is hosted by a local Birmingham hospital, the ripple effect of initiatives like this can be felt far beyond Alabama. The exhibit serves as a reminder to communities everywhere that hospitals are not just centers for physical treatment they can also be safe spaces for emotional and psychological recovery.
Support for mental health in healthcare settings is growing, and innovative programs like art therapy are gaining more recognition. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has increasingly highlighted the importance of creative therapies as part of comprehensive mental health treatment.
Public Invitation
The gallery is open throughout May, and anyone in the Birmingham area is encouraged to stop by and experience the exhibit for themselves. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a mental health advocate, or simply curious, the show promises to leave a lasting emotional impact.
For those unable to visit in person, highlights from the show can be viewed through local media outlets and Baptist Health’s official channels.
