Statement supporting special recognition for Paul Wentz, III
(submitted by Liz Schnitz, LCSW)

Paul is a very resilient and creative person who has been living since young adulthood with a mental illness that has brought numerous challenges in his life.
His art is a way he consistently builds insight into what he is feeling and communicates his experiences.
Paul often uses the phrase when it comes to expressing himself and connecting with the world, “Broadening my horizons”.
His birdhouse was a particularly creative project of his, as he has often painted on canvas and this was a new type of artistic venture for him.
Having experienced times of darkness, his bright and strong colors are meaningful to him, as well as to his friends and family, and also to staff who have seen his work.
To me they speak to his resilience.
The birdhouse has been a means for Paul to increase his connections- birds have come to the house and neighbors have seen it in passing in his complex.
Paul enjoys making his art available for others to see and hopes it might impact them.
His art has broadened my own understanding of the power of art in recovery- increasing connection with others, building a voice, and recognizing inspiration and using it.