Mental Health Connecticut invites members of the community and arts enthusiasts to attend a free opening reception of the “Mending Art” Exhibit to be held Thursday, October 12th from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Hartford ArtSpace, kicking off a month-long art exhibit. Refreshments, live music, and a real-time creation of an illustration celebrating the exhibit will take place during 5:00 – 7:00 p.m..
The “Mending Art” Exhibit brings together 60 artists (members and staff) from the Mending Art program at Mental Health Connecticut’s Independence Center based in Waterbury and 40+ artists from across the state. Contributors include individuals of all ages and backgrounds who heard the open call to exhibit as well as artists who are members of other organizations, such as the Veteran’s Art Foundation and St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury.
“The Mending Art Exhibit is a united celebration of Connecticut artists and artists from the Independence Center. The exhibit holds a story of community coming together to show the importance of the arts in their lives. There is an undeniable power of the arts that we witness on a daily basis in the studio at the IC. For many of our artists, sharing art is the next step in their recovery. Visitors will quickly recognize and appreciate the beauty, creativity, meaning, and talents of the artists’ works,” said Amy Smith, Mending Art Coordinator.
Each unique work explores the artist’s connection to health and wellbeing through art. Many of the artists live with a mental health condition. They have found art to be beneficial in their self-care and an important component in personal expression. A variety of medium will be represented at the show, from sculpture and paint to photography and mixed media.
“The Connecticut Community Foundation is excited to support Mending Art as a part of its Arts & Culture grants program. Under Amy Smith’s guidance, this effort has quickly grown in size and scope, providing a special opportunity for its many participants. The creative spirit of the Independence Center’s artists, expressed and then shared with the broader community, demonstrates art’s unique power to engage the imagination and foster greater understanding,” said Josh Carey, Grants Management Director for the Connecticut Community Foundation, Mending Art’s source of community-based support.
During the opening reception on Thursday, 10/12, members of the community can enjoy the art and meet some of the artists (artists will attend from 2:00- 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.). Starting at 5:00 p.m. local artist Constanza Segovia will create a live illustration of the show while Waterbury-based musician and WPKN radio host will perform live music.
About Mental Health Connecticut
Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is a statewide, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve mental health for all Connecticut residents. Through advocacy, community education, and care support services, MHC works to improve mental health services, promote recovery for people with mental health conditions, educate the community about the importance of mental wellness, and combat discrimination resulting from a mental health diagnosis. For more information, go to: www.mhconn.org.
