ARCHIVED 2019:
TO FLY Art Exhibit Now on View in Claire Davidson Siegel Gallery
THIS EXHIBIT WAS ON VIEW AT THE PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD LIBRARY IN MARCH – APRIL 2019
Now on view at the Patchogue-Medford Library is TO FLY, a group exhibition featuring the artists of Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE). The exhibition, curated by FREE’s Director of Art Therapy Ed Regensburg, LCAT, consists of seven abstract paintings. The exhibiting artists are Anthony A., Lisette A., Sophie F., Donna I., Danny K., Alicia M., and Joseph S.
FREE exhibitions feature dynamic works of art created by individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The images in this exhibition are powerful and moving, both for the viewers and the artists. The works are a testament to the important role art has in self-expression and empowerment. FREE believes that art is an expressive outlet that fortifies the artists’ successful, ongoing contributions to their communities. 2019 is the seventh year FREE has exhibited artwork at the Patchogue-Medford Library.
About The Artwork
According to Regensburg, the series of paintings consist of fanciful images in which the artists imagined the perceived sensation of flight. “Our artists immersed themselves into the flowing river of creativity,” Regensburg wrote in the accompanying exhibition essay, “where healing resides and has the power to rejuvenate and transform life.” The series of paintings are testaments to the healing power of Mindfulness Based Art Therapy. For individuals who have difficulty communicating their feelings through words, painting acts as a creative outlet in which the person is able to express his or herself with a larger group of people.
Artists from L to R: Alicia M., Anthony A., Lisette A., Joseph S.
About FREE
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), founded in 1977, benefits and supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to assist individuals, of all abilities, realize their full potential. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including housing; employment; crisis services; education and after school support and more. For more information on FREE, call 516-870-7000 or visit www.familyres.org.
TO FLY is on display in the Claire Davidson Siegel Gallery at the Patchogue-Medford Library from March 1 – April 30. An Artists Reception will be held on Wednesday, March 6, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The reception is free and open to the public.
Artists from L to R: Danny K., Sophie F., Donna I.