Kinship Center’s Children’s Mental Health Clinic in Templeton put on its most artistic face this past weekend as part of the San Luis Obispo County “Open Studios Art Tour,” which featured more than 250 area venues for guests to enjoy and purchase art.

Art is nothing new at Kinship Center. Specially trained therapists in all four Kinship Center Children’s Clinics around the state use a variety of expressive media such as art, music, drama, drumming, baking, equine therapy, and other vehicles to help client children overcome the trauma of past abuse and neglect. More than 600 children each week are helped to heal and thrive in Kinship Center clinics.

Shown at right, Templeton Clinic Director Ron Huxley, LMFT, is an accomplished artist, and many of his mixed media creations were on display this weekend, along with unique photographic art by Kinship Center volunteer Lori Oliver. “We looked forward to opening up the clinic to the public as part of this event so that the community could get a better appreciation for the work we do here with children,” said Huxley.

The clinic facility includes a well-equipped art therapy room where therapists help children find ways to express deep hurts that are hard to put into words.  A special painted wall behind the clinic displays children’s talents and lends a cheerful, colorful touch to the facility.

Click here for more information about Kinship Center’s mental health services throughout California.