‘Reaching Out,’ the latest West Winds Community Centre art exhibit, was officially launched on Friday, October 11.

The themed exhibit is inspired by Mental Health Week and features artworks that focus on connection with those around us and how these connections manifests in our lives.

The exhibit was introduced by West Winds President Michael Yates and officially opened by Connie Digolis, CEO of the Mental Health Council Tasmania.

Local practitioner and artist Ian Ball also spoke about the benefits of creativity on building positive mental health.

The submissions explored a variety of subjects including the sea, bonfires, the human body, dogs, trees and nature as well as featuring abstract pieces and each had an interesting story of meaning to the artist.

Artworks could be submitted in any medium and this freedom resulted in paintings, photographs, sculptures, prints and fabric crafts in both 2D and 3D forms.

The ongoing Coffee Table project by West Winds was also on display, featuring a growing collection of handmade FIMO figurines that have been made by members of the public at open, coffee, chat and craft sessions in an expression of what community means to them.

The other display put forward by West Winds was a selection of mosaic hands, also made by member of the community which will eventually become part of a larger mosaic installation at the centre.

Those wishing to participate in upcoming Coffee Table Project or Hands On Mosaics sessions can find more information at the West Winds Community Centre website.

West Winds received a total of 47 entries by 31 local artists and craftspeople for the Reaching Out exhibition which will remain on display until Friday, October 25.