The important opportunities Artsenta provides were on display last night at the opening of its annual exhibition.
Artsenta director Paul Smith said the exhibition was a snapshot of the Artsenta community and all it offered and inspired.
''It's really important that we share this work with the wider community and it's a proud moment for many of the artists involved.''
He said Artsenta was an art studio for people who were using mental health services and were interested in being creative.
This year's Artsenta exhibition features more than 160 works by 47 artists in several mediums, including painting, ceramic, mosaic, etching, drawing and sculptural works.
A new feature this year was Artsenta's online blog, regularly updated by its creative writing group.
''It's quite neat having the blog represented for the first time. It's good to be able to bring that into the exhibition,'' Mr Smith said.
Some of the works on display were for sale and money went to 'the artist. Craft items produced by Artsenta artists were also for sale.
The work on display was only a small sample of what Artsenta users have worked on over the year.
It was important to showcase the work produced, as
the artists got a sense of pride seeing their work on display.
The exhibition is open on weekdays between 10am and 5pm until November 17 at the Community Gallery in Princes St.
