FAIRFAX, VA — Artwork created by individuals recovering from serious mental illnesses was celebrated this week as Pathway Homes concluded its 13th Annual Summer of the Arts Exhibit with an artist reception at the City of Fairfax Regional Library.
The July 28 reception brought together participating artists, community members and local elected officials, including Fairfax County Supervisors Rodney Lusk and Walter Alcorn, to recognize the artists' work and highlight the role creativity can play in mental health recovery.
"I always enjoy Pathway Homes summer art exhibition, it pushes all the right buttons for me — support for those in need, the arts, and community," Alcorn told Patch. "It also bridges the divides of 'us'and 'them' through artworks produced by people who are often ignored and almost always under-appreciated."
Throughout July, the exhibit featured artwork created by formerly homeless individuals recovering from serious mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders. The reception gave attendees an opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their creative process and celebrate their accomplishments.
Pathway Homes, a Northern Virginia nonprofit, provides housing and supportive mental health services to individuals living with serious mental illnesses and co-occurring disabilities. The organization says creative expression is an important component of its recovery-focused approach.
According to Pathway Homes, its mission emphasizes hope, self-determination and helping individuals achieve personal goals through stable housing and support services.
Most of the artwork displayed during the exhibit is available for purchase, with all proceeds going directly to the artists. Artwork remains available online through the organization's Summer of the Arts website.
For more than 45 years, Pathway Homes has provided housing and supportive services to people experiencing serious mental illnesses and other co-occurring disabilities across Northern Virginia.
The annual Summer of the Arts exhibit is designed to showcase the talents of Pathway Homes residents while providing an opportunity for artists to share their personal journeys through their work. The exhibit also honors Karen Free, a Pathway Homes resident and artist who died in 2011.
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