Exhibit celebrates the ‘fresh perspective’ of artists in state hospitals

A new art exhibit at the Texas Capitol features 45 unique artworks created by residents of state hospitals and state-supported living centers. “Fresh Perspectives: The Art of Empowerment” showcases the talents of people living with mental health issues and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mike Maples, a deputy executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, said, “Art is used as treatment to help pave the path to recovery and independence. Some use art as a form of recreation, or as a vocation. Regardless of why they created the art, our artists have found a way to express hope, beauty, fun and struggle.” The weeklong exhibit can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, May 13, to Friday, May 17, at the Ground Floor Rotunda at the Texas Capitol at 1100 Congress Ave.