Artwork by Mental Health Community to be Showcased at ArtsWestchester’s Gallery in White Plains

“Visions 2016: Inner Thoughts, Outer Expressions” will be on view Sept. 8-15

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (August 23, 2016) – From September 8 through September 15, ArtsWestchester will present, Visions 2016: Inner Thoughts, Outer Expressions, an exhibition featuring over 100 original artworks by more than 50 artists who are recipients of mental health services in Westchester County.

Created from a partnership program between ArtsWestchester and Rockland Psychiatric Center, the exhibition coincides with Recovery Month in September and demonstrates that recipients of mental health services embrace the concept of hope and are willing to share their view of recovery.  This exhibition is made possible with funding from the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health and Rockland Psychiatric Center.

“We are pleased to present the Visions exhibition at ArtsWestchester. It allows us to highlight the fact that our participating artists are so much more than their illnesses,” said ArtsWestchester CEO Janet T. Langsam. “It is our belief that there is a very strong connection between the creative arts and healing. The relationship between engagement in the arts and people’s physical, mental and social well-being grows stronger every day with more hospitals and health providers offering arts programs to the community.”

ArtsWestchester has provided art services and artist residencies to individuals with chronic mental illness for more than 30 years, allowing opportunities for those individuals to participate in art workshops and to enjoy live performances. The activities are designed to enable participants to tap into their imaginations, express their creativity, develop new skills, and fully integrate into the community.

Many of those who take art workshops – whether painting, creative writing/poetry, ceramics, mosaics, or jewelry making – find they have an affinity for the work. These programs are a bridge to the community. The pride of accomplishment, the feelings of positive self-worth and public acceptance, validates the goal of these partnerships.

“It’s refreshing, relaxing and I am getting to know myself as an artist,” said Steve from the Rockland Psychiatric Center.

Arthur from the White Plains Guest Home for Adults added, “I enjoy doing art; it helps me clear my mind. It gives me hope and helps me look forward.”

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

In Visions, the artists’ 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 art show allows families, providers and the public to see recipients through a new lens.

Visions 2016: Inner Thoughts, Outer Expressions is free and open to the public and will be held in ArtsWestchester’s Shenkman Gallery at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016 from   5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and the exhibit will run from Friday, September 9 through Thursday, September 15, 2016 from noon to 5 p.m.  The gallery is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

For more information, please call (914) 428-4220 or visit artswestchester.org/visions.