Leadership Cape team develops plan to expand Gallery of Inspiration

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A Leadership Cape team is helping Community Counseling Center and its foundation develop plans for a more accessible and visible Gallery of Inspiration.

The team presented its project Sept. 11 following months of work examining the gallery’s current challenges, future opportunities and potential connections with the southeast Missouri community.

The Gallery of Inspiration provides a creative space where people can express thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to communicate through words. Morning classes and afternoon open studio sessions are available to Community Counseling Center clients, day habilitation groups and community members.

Artists travel from across southeast Missouri and southern Illinois to participate.

“Art is self-expression, a glimpse into one’s emotions which may not be accessible through words,” program director Mike Mills said.

The program currently operates in a 16-by-23-foot multipurpose room used as a classroom, art studio, storage area and exhibition space. The room seats about 10 artists, but attendance can exceed 19 people at a time.

The space also lacks natural light, running water and restroom access. Its entrance creates accessibility challenges for artists who use wheelchairs or walkers.

The Leadership Cape team identified several opportunities for the gallery, including improved accessibility and visibility, designated areas for classes and exhibitions and stronger connections with the community.

“Our goal is to move the Gallery from the back of the building to the front of the community,” Community Counseling Center Foundation Executive Director Michelle Ramsey said. “That means more than moving into a different room. It means creating a space that reflects the dignity and talent of the people who use it—and inviting our community to become part of what happens there.”

The team also explored creating a Gallery Road Show that would bring artwork to communities throughout the counseling center’s five-county service area. Organizers said the traveling exhibit could increase awareness of the artists, the program and the role creative expression can play in mental well-being.

The Leadership Cape team includes Cory Grojean of Southern Bank, Kathleen Harold of First Missouri State Bank, Alyssa Alger of FosterAdopt Connect, Jared Holloway of Holloway Floor Covering, Justin Seimers of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, Kathryn Howell of Mercy Health Foundation and Kevin Timlin of Southeast Missouri State University.

“The Leadership Cape team brought fresh eyes, different professional perspectives and tremendous energy to this project,” Ramsey said. “They helped us think beyond what the Gallery is today and imagine what it could become—not only for the artists who already love this program, but for our entire community.”

Community members, businesses and organizations may support the project through the Community Counseling Center Foundation. Contributions will help fund a more accessible and welcoming space for creativity, connection and mental well-being.

For more information, contact the foundation at 573-332-2787 or mramsey@cccntr.