Expressive arts, such as painting, drawing, mosaics, pottery, music, and more, are regularly integrated into rehabilitative day treatment and the mental health recovery process. A full-time art director travels to each branch teaching members fundamental principles of the arts through group and individual lessons.
Artistic experience helps members in many areas of their recovery journey, including coping skills, building self-confidence, enhancing communication with others, and allowing them to express thoughts and emotions in a safe and powerful way. Beyond assisting with member recovery, the expressive arts program provides a way to build a bridge to the community. Through the past 20 years of the program, members of Birch Tree Communities have exhibited and sold hundreds of thousands of dollars in art. Artwork created by our members is displayed in homes and businesses all over the state, which helps to share the mission of our organization and the stories of our members.
Annual Art Show
Birch Tree Communities hosts an Annual Expressions Art Show, typically held in the spring, to exhibit and sell artwork created by the members of Birch Tree Communities. Members create art with the guidance of the art director throughout the year, which is gathered and prepared to exhibit in a single show that draws hundreds of attendees and includes live entertainment, food, drinks, a live auction of premiere pieces, and more.
Unique to the Expressions Art Show, all proceeds from art sales go directly to the member and artist of the piece, contributing to their journey to independence. In the past, funds from art sales have gone to assist members with purchasing vehicles, independent apartments, housing items, and more. Purchasing a piece of art from a member of Birch Tree Communities can directly impact their future and outlook on life.
The Art Director
Kristin Calderhead began as the Art Director at Birch Tree Communities in March 2023. She travels regularly to each branch teaching new skills, encouraging artistic expression, and doing a wide range of projects with members. She also provides private lessons for members who are interested in enhancing their skills or working on special projects.
Kristin has close to 20 years of experience as a public-school art teacher. She received a Master of Art Education from Harding University and is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA). In 2025, Kristin was accepted by Oklahoma State University as a PhD candidate in Health, Leisure, and Human Performance – Option in Leisure Studies. She has also received training from the Chicago Center for Creative Arts and Expressive Arts Florida. She enjoys traveling and teaching expressive arts in underprivileged schools when she has the opportunity.
