FREE and Gallery North Partner in New Fine Arts Program

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE) – a Long Island-based not-for-profit that benefits and proudly supports more than 3,500 individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injuries – has formed a new partnership with Gallery North of Setauket, a showcase for the finest artists and craftspeople in and around Long Island since 1965.

“FREE’s collaboration with Gallery North will be highly beneficial to the individuals we support as well as artists with disabilities in the Setauket area,” remarked Robert S. Budd, Chief Executive Officer for FREE. “The artists will view the fine works on display and then apply what they’ve seen to their own creative explorations.”

The collaboration, entitled ArtAbilities Workshop @ Gallery North will debut on March 27 with the goal of creating a community-focused fine arts program that is open to artists with all disabilities. FREE individuals who participate in the program will have the opportunity to visit Gallery North and draw inspiration for their own work.

“I’m pleased to be collaborating with FREE and reaching out to new audiences because art is for everyone,” said Judith Levy, Director of Gallery North. “Artists will be inspired to create their own work by being exposed to the diverse exhibitions presented at our gallery.”

The pilot program is for artists who receive services from FREE as well as individuals who live in the surrounding community and have an interest in fine art. Starting in spring 2014, artists will visit the gallery and participate in classes to enhance their skills. Classes will be held weekly with instruction from seasoned artists who have a passion for teaching others.