Peconic, NY-Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), a not-for-profit agency that supports more than 4,000 individuals with different abilities on Long Island, together with The LENZ Winery, we hosted a “Meet the Artists'” reception to celebrate a special exhibition entitled “EXPRESSIONS,” created by individuals with disabilities. The exhibition, at The LENZ Winery, runs now through October 11, with an outdoor artists reception held on Thursday, July 22, 4:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

The LENZ Winery, located at 38355 New York State Route 25 in Peconic, is one of Long Island’s oldest and most prestigious North Fork vineyards. LENZ has long been a supporter of FREE and hosted a number of showcases for artwork created by members of FREE’s art program.

“EXPRESSIONS” is a series of acrylic polymer paintings that grew out of the feelings and emotions that everyone displays on a daily basis, and how through these displays we allow the

world a glimpse into our own personal souls which are continually evolving,” said Glyn Evans, Senior Habilitation Specialist of the FREE Fine Art Program.

The artists represented are the finalists whose work displayed the quality to have earned a place in the “EXPRESSIONS” exhibit.

The Fine Art Program is comprised of dedicated and talented individuals who through a FOUR to FIVE month process create pieces of art. The artists went through several phases to get to the finished product. From a design phase, then all the way to a fine tuning phase as well as learning how to wire mount the hardware to display the art. The staff and individuals involved developed a symbiotic relationship while creating the pieces and worked together to help inspire, motivate, and encourage the best artist that they could be.

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE)

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), founded in 1977, benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to help individuals of all abilities realize their full potential. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including housing; recovery services; transition to work; employment; day, community and family services; respite; crisis services; education and after school support; specialty health services; and advocacy.

The FREE Network collaborates with a variety of diverse 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners on educational, vocational, rehabilitative and a myriad of other creative initiatives to enhance the local communities and the lives of more than 35,000 people that reside within them. Each of the valued partners of the FREE Network has a unique mission, vision and strategic goals that are aligned in purpose, and embody the spirit of the meaningful work we do every day. For more information, please call 516-870-1614 or visit www.familyres.org.