Reception Held for Artists With Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities Who Have Works on Exhibit at Long Island Library
April 12, 2016 | News
Suffolk County Legislator Robert Calarco Joins in Honoring FREE’s Artists
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE) held a “Meet the Artists” reception at the Patchogue-Medford Library on 54-60 East Main St, Patchogue, NY. The reception was held to honor artists participating in their Fine Art and Art Therapy Programs who have their mixed media constructions exhibited at the library throughout the month of April. The exhibit, Landscape Constructions runs from April 4, 2016 – May 2, 2016, and the works displayed are for sale as well.
FREE, a leader in the field of human services dedicated to helping individuals of all abilities realize their full potential believes that Art Therapy provides a powerful means for healing and communication for anyone, but especially for people who find it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings through spoken words alone.
Landscape Constructions was their first professionally juried competition of artwork created by the Artists of FREE. Over one hundred fifty pieces were vigorously created over a six month period for this year’s collection. The artists represented are the finalists whose quality of work “rose high enough” to have garnered entrance into this prestigious collection. Their courage and strength led them down the challenging path of self- revelation and allowed them to “talk to us” through the hidden language of images, colors and symbols.
While the artwork is beautiful to look at it is important to recognize the incredible depth of emotional release that took place over months of work with all of our dedicated staff. It was their patience and unerring commitment to “stay the course” and believe that our artists could reach high to not only “see their healing image”, but also commit it to permanent form for all to share in their vision.
Over the years much has been written about the healing power of art as therapy and the creative process of spiritual self-expression, especially for individuals who may find it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings through spoken words alone. The images on view are a testament to this healing power, as our artists have embraced feelings of trust, hope and resolution, offering them an alternative to conflict and fear, which unfortunately characterizes much of the consciousness present in our world today.