October 16, 2021 marks the date of the new, world class, Five Points Art Center, Opening Celebration Benefit! The Five Points Arts center is an educational facility designed for artistic exploration and community driven activity. With a 90-acre Art Park, and the emerging artist Launchpad, this arts destination will add significantly to the social fabric of our state. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) and our Mending Art Program is thrilled about the opening and what this means for our community. Members from Mental Health Connecticut and our Mending Arts Program attended the Opening Celebration Benefit in support of the Five Points Art Center and all to come.
“We applaud Five Points Art Center, and especially Judy McElhone and her dedicated team, for creating an arts and education destination in Torrington and expanding on their many years of supporting the arts in this region. Our Mending Arts team and MHC staff and program participants are thrilled to collaborate with Five Points and look forward to creating and learning together, as we all find unique pathways to mental wellness and community through the arts,” Luis Perez, President and CEO, Mental Health Connecticut.
Cars filled the parking lot for the sold-out benefit. Four hundred attendees arrived ready to explore the new Art Center and Art Park, see the monumental steel sculptures on the grounds by award winning sculptor Don Gummer, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, and listen to music by Waterbury Symphony Orchestra.
Following the tour, attendees gathered in the Wilson Sheehan Auditorium to hear the remarks of Five Points Art Center, Founder and Executive Director, Judith McElhone, and await the winning raffle drawing number for the oil painting on board, titled Summer Arrangement, by renowned artists and Five Points Arts Board President, Eric Forstmann. It was a magical and inspiring evening, unveiling much more to come.
“The opportunity that Five Points Art Center has offered MHC Mending Art through our collaboration is extraordinary. It will provide Mending Art Artists greater access to further their learning and deepen their connection with themselves and the community through art. Our collaboration will also be an opportunity for MHC Mending Art Artists to raise awareness within the community on the benefits of art on wellbeing.” Amy Smith, Mending Arts Coordinator, Mental Health Connecticut
For more information on memberships and workshops, please visit www.FivePointsArts.org
