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ARCHIVED 2021:

The Artists of Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.

THIS EXHIBIT WAS ON VIEW AT THE PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD LIBRARY IN SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2021

The Patchogue-Medford Library is pleased to host the group exhibition, The Artists of Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc., curated by FREE’s Senior Rehabilitation Specialist, Glyn Evans. 2021 marks the ninth year the library has hosted the artists of FREE, but unlike previous years, this exhibition is a retrospective – highlighting selections from two series of work: Ascension and Too Fly. 

The exhibit features dynamic works of art created by individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The images are powerful and moving for the artists as well as their audience. Each painting is a testament to the important role art has in self-expression and personal empowerment. FREE believes that art is an expressive outlet that fortifies the artists’ successful, ongoing contributions to their communities. 

The series on display, Ascension and Too Fly, revolve around the theme of transcendence. Originally created in 2017 and 2018 respectively, each series was conceived using acrylic paints and gels that gives the work a sense of three-dimensionality and textural depth. The artists strived to create art that tells a story. The curator states that “a sense of flight or a feeling of ascending to a higher plane were the original concepts for the pieces, but to each of us they call upon emotions and ideas that are original to each viewer.” Although the artists have their own intentions in creating this work, they encourage the viewer to engage closely with each painting, allowing them to determine their own interpretations while simultaneously sparking their creative imagination. Each abstract painting is open to multiple readings with the narrative of each piece dependent on the emotional or mental state of the observer.

About FREE
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc., 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. To learn more, visit www.familyres.org.

About the Gallery
The Claire Davidson Siegel Gallery is an exhibition space in the Patchogue-Medford Library dedicated to exhibiting the artwork of Long Island-based artists and arts organizations. Exhibitions are coordinated by independent curator and art historian, Jay Schuck. If you are interested in exhibiting your artwork in the gallery, we invite you to submit an exhibition proposal. To learn more, visit www.pmlib.org/display-art.

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