Viewpoint Art Gallery

Engagement in the creation of a work of art, in and of itself, is therapeutic. Artists have instinctually known the advantages of becoming immersed in the creative process. Today the physical and emotional benefits of creative engagement are well documented and used in a plethora of therapeutic models. Ultimately, a work of art is emblematic of any human being's desire for self-realization and universal communication. This desire does not diminish with disability.

The Viewpoint Gallery celebrates the creative spirit with four major initiatives:

• a juried national acquisitions exhibition for artists with disabilities
• the Viewpoint Gallery Art Collection
• the Studio Arts Project
• a one-person/small group exhibition series

Viewpoint Gallery Art Collection

At present, more than 90 works of art created by artists with disabilities make their permanent home in this collection, displayed throughout the public corridors of the hospital. All works of art have been selected through a rigorous professional juried process and then acquired by the gallery through direct purchase or private donation.

This selection process works to reveal many extraordinarily committed and talented artists and assures that the collection is not dominated by any one particular style, but rather forms a true representation of the diversity in American contemporary art.

The collection is open to the public for viewing with the hope that patients, visitors and staff will find encouragement and inspiration from these exemplary expressions of the human spirit.

The Studio Arts Project

The Studio Arts Project was developed in 2002 to provide art instruction to our students in a compassionate and supportive environment, and to promote creativity, independence, dignity and community integration.

Classes are designed to fuel the imagination while simultaneously encouraging students to develop their own individual abilities and body of knowledge by understanding technical, material, aesthetic and perceptual issues. Any outpatient or former patient is invited to participate. No experience is necessary.