On September 13, artists and friends of the UNC Brushes with Life Arts Program gathered in the lobby of the North Carolina Neurosciences Hospital to celebrate this year’s opening exhibition and reception. Following a welcome from John Gilmore, MD, director of the Center, and an introduction of the artists by Grayson Bowen, coordinator of the Brushes with Life Arts Program, guests enjoyed a reception and the new exhibit in the Brushes with Life Art Gallery.
In its 16th year of providing a venue for artists recovering from mental illness, the Brushes with Life Arts Program opened its 2016 exhibit with the work of 25 artists from the Triangle area and more than 80 pieces of artwork. The exhibit will be on display in the gallery (third and ground floors of the hospital) for one year.
Bowen is enthusiastic about this year’s event. We have new artists and more artwork” he says. “Much of the art is available for sale with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to the artists.”
Created in December 2000, the Brushes with Life Arts Program provides an environment that shows individuals with serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, can be creative, perceptive and productive, and it helps them find healing and move toward recovery. Featured artists are individuals in treatment in UNC clinics as well as members of Club Nova, a local organization for persons with mental illness.
The program has expanded to include art classes in Carr Mill Mall as well as the Wake STEP and Oasis offices in Raleigh. Bowen teaches the classes.
The event was organized by Bowen and Janice Linn, executive assistant at the Center and several volunteers. Invitations for the opening featured “Abstract Pansies,” the work of Brushes with Life Program artist and photographer Karen Curran. To purchase art, contact Janice Linn at 919-445-0206.