Brain Injury Group Creates Beautiful Works of Art in All Forms

A group of men that formed a musical group at the Ability Beyond Day Program in Bethel, Connecticut are sharing their latest artistic creations. Members of The Get Around Crew - Ken Barrachina, Seyid “Tony” Hosseini, Zach Dallas and Sam Plourde, along with new members Mike Massa and Ron Finley, will display their artwork at A Common Ground Community Arts Center in Danbury on Friday, January 17, 2020.

“Together, they not only make beautiful music but beautiful artwork as well!” said Pete Sullivan, SIL Program Manager at Ability Beyond. “This showcase features ten pieces from their most recent 8-week course at Georgetown School of the Arts in West Redding.”

Sullivan notes this is the second time the group has had the privilege to work with Susan Jackson, owner and art instructor of the Georgetown School of the Arts. The group previously displayed an entire collection of their art at the “Healing Through Art” exhibit and fundraiser at the RPAC Art Center in Ridgefield that was held in September after their first multi-week session.

Sullivan helped produce the group’s CD called Joint Venture, along with a music video. The EP features three original songs. All music was arranged and lyrics were written by the group, but the foursome only lends their voices to the rap song.

“Our ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) program is directed by the interests of the individuals who participate and these guys are all creative,” explained Sullivan. “Music and visual arts have been a huge part of their recovery.”
The Art Show Reception is being held from 5:30p.m. - 8:00p.m. The public is invited and there is no entry fee to attend.

Ability Beyond is a 501{c} (3) organization headquartered in Chappaqua, NY and Bethel, CT. It provides a wide range of services for over 3,000 people with a disability that inhibits their activities of daily living -- including numerous residential alternatives, employment training, career counseling, job placement services, cognitive and life skills instruction, clinical and therapeutic support, and volunteer and recreational activities. Today, its services extend throughout Connecticut and New York’s lower Hudson Valley. For more information about Ability Beyond go to www.abilitybeyond.org.

PHOTO: Participants in Ability Beyond’s ABI Day Program from left to right: Mike Massa, Tony Hosseini and Ron Finley will display their art creations at A Common Ground Community Arts Center in Danbury on Friday, January 17, 2020.