ArtsWestchester to Host New Original Exhibition in September

By Alfred Branch

The following announcement is from ArtsWestchester:

From September 12 through September 18, ArtsWestchester will present, Visions 2014: Art of the Mind, an exhibition featuring the work of more than 150 original creations by more than 70 artists who are recipients of mental health services in Westchester County. The exhibition clearly demonstrates that recipients of mental health services have embraced the concept of hope and are willing to share their view of recovery. Visions 2014: Art of the Mind will take place in ArtsWestchester’s Shenkman Gallery at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2014 from 5:30–7pm. For more information, please call 914-428-4220 x 306 or visitwww.artswestchester.org/visions.

The Visions exhibition is an outgrowth of a long-standing partnership between ArtsWestchester and Westchester County’s Department of Community Mental Health. ArtsWestchester provided arts services and residencies to people with chronic mental illness for more than 30 years, allowing for opportunities to participate in art workshops and to enjoy live performances. The activities are designed to be outside the therapeutic framework, enabling those who participate to tap their imaginations, express their creativity, develop new skills, and to fully integrate into the community. Many of those who take art workshops – whether painting, ceramics, mosaics, or jewelry making, find they have an affinity for the work. This exhibition not only shows the community that recipients of mental health services are gifted and talented, but demonstrates that recipients are more than their illness. This is also a wonderful opportunity for recipients to network with art lovers.

The artists’ varied and diverse life experiences bring unique perspectives to their creative efforts and subject matter, with styles ranging from the realistic to the abstract. This exhibition not only helps promising artists take the next step in their careers, but it opens the door for art lovers to experience a wealth of talent in their own community.

“The Visions 2014: Art of the Mind exhibition certainly demonstrates the scope of talent in our community,” explains ArtsWestchester CEO Janet T. Langsam. “We’re proud to support these mental health recipients, their distinctive points of view and their expressions of creativity.”

Visions 2014: Art of the Mind is a partnership between ArtsWestchester and Rockland Psychiatric Center. This exhibition is made possible with funding from Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health, Rockland Psychiatric Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital-Westchester Division.

ArtsWestchester is your connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State; its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester. Our grants help fund concerts, exhibitions and plays; we bring artists into schools and community centers; we advocate for the arts and build audiences through our marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into the Arts Exchange, a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations and the community.

Rockland Psychiatric Center (RPC) provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support to adults 18 and older with severe and complex mental illness. The focus is on treatment and stabilization, with the goal of assisting recipients to live in his or her community of choice. RPC emphasizes recovery, symptom management, rehabilitation, support and activities that build social, vocational and educational skills. Aftercare planning and developing networks of support help recipients accomplish their personal goals.

Participating agencies include Rockland Psychiatric Center, Human Development Services of Westchester, Mental Health Association of Westchester, Mohegan Park Adult Home, New Rochelle Home for Adults, New York Presbyterian Hospital Westchester Division, St. Vincent’s Westchester a division of St Joseph’s Medical Center, and The Guidance Center. Artists not affiliated with these agencies also participate in this event.

September 12-18
Visions 2014: Art of the Mind
Opening Reception: September 11, 2014, 5:30-7pm
Gallery hours: Monday-Saturday, 12-5pm

For more information, contact:
914-428-4220 x306, www.artswestchester.org/visions