The mental health unit put out the call in September asking for their clients to donate items of artwork to be used for permanent display.

Clinical psychologist Sarah Davenport said they received a fantastic response.

``I guess we felt that the rooms weren't really comfortable or inviting for clients and they didn't really have a sense of belonging at the place because it's a really clinical environment, a lot of the rooms are windowless,'' she said.

``The idea was also for people who haven't been doing their art for a while to get more involved in it.

``We really didn't know what to expect from clients, whether they would be excited by the idea, [but we received] almost 50 artworks.''

Social worker Katie Rowlands said art was often very beneficial to clients' health as a creative outlet.

``Obviously when they come in here we're really focused on their illness and them being termed unwell, but this is a chance for them to say, `this isn't about my illness and I'm not just ill I've got talent in producing beautiful pieces','' she said.

``Some people find it really therapeutic and a good way of expressing themselves and saying things that they can't necessarily put into words,'' Ms Davenport said.

``Some people think a lot in pictures rather than words, so being able to represent themselves in art is easier for them.''

Ms Davenport said the art received included poetry and short stories as well as needlework, photography and painting.

``We wanted to make it as broad as possible so people could do whatever it is they're into,'' she said.

To celebrate its success, an exhibition was held of the works, where family and friends of the artists were invited to come and view the works as well as vote on their favourite piece.

The People's Choice Award received almost 70 votes, with Picnic at Hanging Rock, a painting by Bungendore resident John Velnaar, declared the winner of a voucher donated by The Artists Shed.