ARTM’s female center showcases artworks

The Association of Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers of Macau (ARTM) is showcasing artworks by patients from its female center at the Portuguese Bookshop until Thursday. The exhibition features handicrafts made by patients currently undergoing treatment at the center.
ARTM’s president Augusto Nogueira said that, through art, these women were able to explore their feelings, emotions, and even the suffering they went through as drug abusers. “Of course, we wish to teach them new skills, too. It serves to tell them that they are able to start and finish something, and then see the final result,” he added.
Marta Bucho, ARTM’s coordinator and social worker, said that this is the third year they are exhibiting the female patients’ artwork. “They appreciate it very much, as individual or group therapy is sometimes not enough. They need another kind of therapy, which might help to enhance their creativity and imagination,” she stated.
The pleasure of seeing an artwork finished and exhibited is another reason why girls in treatment appreciate the art workshops.
“It also helps to build their self-
esteem and trust – their confidence, too, in experimenting and having pleasure seeing it all done in the end,” Marta added.
The center is currently working on the rehabilitation of ten people, which represents a decrease compared with previous years. “There’s a decline in people looking to get help. Also, because the police have been working well, some types of drugs are no longer made easily available,” said Augusto Nogueira.
However, there are still challenges whenever new drugs emerge in the market. “As drug consumption changes, and abuse of new drugs emerges, such as ice and ketamine, we need to adapt our treatments,” he added.
The ARTM Female Center Art Exhibition will be on display at the Portuguese Bookshop until September 25. It features hand-decorated shoes, ceramics, and other handicrafts.