PAUL SMITHS – A diversity of artistic talent will be on display the entire month of November in the inaugural Citizen Advocates “Inclusive Art Exhibition” at the Paul Smith’s College-Visitor Interpretive Center.

Healthcare organizations are increasingly embracing art and other non-traditional therapies as a means of promoting healing and healthy living. Creating works of art can be highly therapeutic, providing individuals with a healthy outlet for expression, improving self-esteem, reducing anxiety and depression. This inaugural art exhibit is an avenue for Citizen Advocates to encourage creative expression, self-support and independence among the individuals supported by the health and human services agency.

Entitled “Listen,” the art exhibit features 80 pieces of original artwork created by individuals and families supported by Citizen Advocates, in addition to submissions from staff and their children. The exhibit was organized by Kary Johnson, Director of Waiver Services for Citizen Advocates.

“The programs we provide through Citizen Advocates promote independence, pride, and foster diversity in the community,” said Ms. Johnson. “The art exhibit is a great opportunity to highlight the diverse, creative talents that we might not otherwise have a chance to see.”

“The Paul Smith’s College VIC is pleased to host this unique art event,” said Lee Ann Sporn, director of visual art at the VIC. “Inclusion and diversity are core values of the college, so partnering with Citizen Advocates was a great opportunity to showcase the range of talent our community has to offer.”

The exhibit, which includes drawings, photography, collage, mosaic and mixed media artwork, is sponsored by the Creative Expressions Art Club at Citizen Advocates.

The public is welcome to attend an opening reception from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at the Paul Smith’s College VIC. Both the reception and the exhibit are open to the public, free of charge.