Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) is set to host its 2nd Art Exhibition, Competition, and Auction onOctober 27, 2023, in remembrance of the late Malcolm Rae, coinciding with World Occupational TherapyDay. The concept for this exhibition originated with Mr. Rae, who dedicated his Tuesdays to teaching thefundamentals of painting to participants in the Sandilands Art Programme. Mr. Rae also organized a modestin-house exhibition around the Geriatric Hospital Circle, showcasing the artistic talents of clients involved inthe Creative Recovery Program. The Art Programme at Sandilands continues to bring positivetransformations to the lives of its clients, with continued support from Mr. Rae's family, who consistentlyattend these events.

The Sandilands Family expressed their condolences to Mr. Rae's family and friends upon his passing, andthey reached out to the community for volunteers to assist in the Art Programme. Mrs. Kelly KnowlesCharlow heeded the call for artists and extended invitations to local artists to offer guidance to SRC clientsas they prepared for the competition. Notable artists such as Ms. Keisha Oliver, Mr. Kishan Munroe, and Mr.Pachino Wallace responded enthusiastically, investing their time and talent to mentor Sandilands' clients.

The program has continued to evolve, and in 2022, the Minister of Youth Sports & Culture, Hon. MarioBowleg, inaugurated the Art Exhibition and Auction. During the opening ceremony, Minister Bowlegcommended the "creative spirit of clients and staff within the institution," highlighting the program's role inestablishing a therapeutic foundation for healing, rehabilitation, and recovery. At the same event, KevaThompson, Deputy Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), praised the efforts of theOccupational Therapy Department, emphasizing the commendable roles played by artists and others aseducators, advisors, and advocates for art therapy.

The 2022 auction was a star-studded affair, featuring celebrity artists and notable figures like Dawn Davies,Eric Rose, Curator of The Central Bank of the Bahamas Mr. Ulrich Voges, and others. Active participants inthe auction included Minister of Transport and Housing, Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, and Minister of State forthe Public Service, Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle.

This year's event will be judged by Antonius Roberts, Jodi Minnis, and Katrina Cartwright. Mrs. Sunitha Pati,Head of Occupational Therapy at SRC, underscored the significant role of art in mental health rehabilitation.Citing research by licensed art therapist and clinical counsellor Cathy Malchiodi, Pati noted that art-makinghas a soothing and stress-reducing effect, offering a means to transcend difficult circumstances, resolveproblems, release emotions, recover from trauma, and alleviate physical discomfort. She emphasized thatArt Therapy operates on the belief that people can process life experiences through art.