Cotuit Center for the Arts and Debra Hope Colligan present 'Healing Through Art'

“Healing Through Art” is an impressive and inspiring art show that celebrates the work created by artists with disabilities. Its purpose is to foster a better appreciation of people with disabilities through their achievements and stories reflected in their art which has enriched their lives.

We hope their creativity, talent and exuberant spirit will enrich those that view this show at  Cotuit Center for the Arts. “ Healing Through Art” is presented by artist and Traumatic Brain Injury survivor, Debra Hope Colligan in collaboration with Art Therapist, Anne Hitch and participants from Community Connections, Inc., CapeAbilities, NAMI, and the Brain Injury Association of MA (BIAMA).         

Debra Hope Colligan sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury after being thrown from a horse which significantly changed her life. With the support of her artist husband, family, friends and remarkable doctors from the Hospital of University of PA, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital (BMRH) and Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, Debra was able to make the long and miraculous journey back to health and ultimately, to her art career. 

Colligan is a graduate of PA Academy of the Fine Arts and has been painting and showing her artwork on Cape Cod and the Islands for many years.  Debra’s artwork has been featured in and received awards at BMRH’s Art Ability Show; an international show of works by talented artists who have suffered life-altering disabilities, as well as being shown at numerous galleries on Cape Cod and the Islands.

Debra is passionate and thrilled to present “Healing Through Art”and believes by exhibiting their artwork, these artists will display the fruits of their creative efforts which will link them to a place of healing, a place of hope. She believes art has healing properties and has the capacity to take us to a place where we can tap into positive energy, the creative force that allows people to heal. Healing itself is a creative act: we create a new state of health for ourselves.

For Debra, riding and painting horses is the life force of her artwork. She loves painting horses and capturing their soulful beauty on canvas.  You could say, as far as her art goes, “she’s back in the saddle again.“

Anne Hitch, is an artist and a Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist with the American Art Therapy Association and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.  Anne’s work experience has included providing expressive therapy groups for adults with mental illness on the inpatient and outpatient units at the Cape Cod and Islands Community Mental Health Center, was staff therapist for South Bay Mental Health, & facilitated art therapy groups at the Cape Cod Museum of Art and The Cape Cod Conservatory for Music and Art. Anne provides art therapy services to individuals with disabilities at Community Connections, Inc., Transitions Centers, Inc., and Alzheimer Services.  Anne offers art therapy services to individuals and groups.