Exhibit Spotlights Art By Those Struggling With Mental Illness

This story is a guest piece for Vienna Patch by Elissa Esher.

VIENNA, VA — The Vienna Arts Society is showcasing the work of residents of Pathway Homes, a nonprofit organization providing affordable housing in Northern Virginia to those suffering from severe mental illness. The exhibit, located at 513 Maple Avenue West #1, opened at the beginning of July and runs till the end of the month.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from this annual exhibit, titled “Summer of the Arts,” go to the artists, each of which is one of over 600 people living in a house or apartment provided by Pathway Homes. Many of those in Pathway’s housing program were homeless at the time they enrolled.

"I am proud of how much effort and enthusiasm is displayed among the artists,” said Pathway Homes Consultant Liz Susla, who curated the exhibit. “Many look forward to this event all year, and the anticipation and excitement is heightened by the fact that the residents’ pieces are displayed in a real, public gallery setting, and viewed by other local, talented artists and the community at large."

This year, Summer of the Arts was one of the only events Pathway Homes was able to carry out due to complications with COVID-19. However, the nonprofit did not let this stand in their way. This year, art-enthusiasts and prospective buyers can view and purchase from the exhibit online.

"The theme of this exhibit is Vision of Hope," Susla said. "And hope is never cancelled. I think this exhibit gave the artists a sense of purpose during these isolating times."

After sending out a "call for art," Pathway Homes employees picked up Summer for the Arts submissions from residents’ front porches. Then, a professional art curator hand-picked which pieces would be featured in the exhibit.

Pathway Homes resident and board member Susan Zywokarte, who this year had her prints ("David’s Head" and "Beautiful Feet Relaxing") selected to exhibit, said participating in Summer for the Arts gave her an outlet to share her art with the world for the first time.

"Before Summer of the Arts, I just kept all my artwork in a large paper portfolio," Zywokarte
said. "When I submitted it, I received positive feedback and I feel fortunate to have it displayed."

Click here for more information on Pathway Homes and Summer of the Arts.