Visions 2021: Unmasked
Visions 2021 is an exhibition that invites the public to better understand those diagnosed with mental illnesses.
Celebrating Arts in All Communities
For over 35 years, ArtsWestchester has partnered with the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health to provide local mental health sites with art programs. These programs include multi-session, art-making workshops, one-time musical performances and an exhibition.
Thoughts from Janet Langsam, CEO, Artswestchester
Now more than ever, people truly understand how the arts - - poetry, music, literature, painting, dance and more - - keep us healthy and well. Through the difficult months of COVID-19, art activities helped keep us engaged and creative. They gave us relief and offered us solace. We all know that artwork allows people a way to communicate things that they are otherwise unable to voice. The arts also reduce stress while promoting healing, coping and connection. ArtsWestchester’s partnership with Westchester County’s Department of Community Mental Health has enriched many lives and we applaud the creativity of this year’s artists.
Thoughts from Commissioner Michael Orth
Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (WCDCMH) looks forward to participating in ArtsWestchester Vision 2021 Arts Show virtually. We are thankful for our strong partnership with ArtsWestchester and the many years of providing opportunities for individuals with mental health needs to participate in the arts. It is such an important component of people’s recovery and support. Especially during these most challenging times, the arts help to promote a sense of connectedness, expression and self-discovery which is important to all of us. *Michael Orth is the Commissioner of Westchester County’s Department of Community Mental Health.
Rockland Psychiatric Center at Mount Vernon
Located in Mount Vernon, NY, Rockland Psychiatric Center at Mount Vernon serves mental health consumers throughout Westchester County. The exhibiting artists receiving services from this center include: Brian Hiland, Jibaro, Lavonne Patterson, Paul Evans, Robin Randolph, Andrea Alampi, Diat Dessande, Farida Jeter, Joe Parciasepe, Marcia Spence, Steven Smart and Steven Stern.
The Eye of the Storm (21st Century) by Marcia SpenceArtsWestchester
The Eye of the Storm
Abstracted painting done in a variety of colours that swirl together in symbolic harmony. Artist Marcia Spence is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center in Mount Vernon, NY.
Eclipse (21st Century) by Farida JeterArtsWestchester
Eclipse
Artist rendering of a solar eclipse. This event is often associated with numerous cultures and can symbolize spiritual rebirth, awakening, and consciousness. Artist Farida Jeter is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center in Mount Vernon, NY.
Metal Shapes (21st Century) by Steven SmartArtsWestchester
Tron
Geometrical drawing inspired by the 1980s classic movie Tron. The colourful patterning and the dramatic diagonals reference the overall spirit of this cult classic, adventure film. Artist Steven Smart is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center in Mount Vernon, NY.
Cherry Chocolate Sunflower (21st Century) by JibaroArtsWestchester
Cherry Chocolate Sunflower
Artist rendition of a sunflower embedded in a field of colourful Spring/Summer flowers. Artist Jibaro is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center in Mount Vernon, NY.
Bless those who Bless Others (21st Century) by Diat DessandeArtsWestchester
Bless those who Bless Others
Artistic representation of a pair of young siblings or relations with a popular quote from the Bible. Artist Diat Dessande is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center in Mount Vernon, NY.
A Lovely Day (21st Century) by Lavonne PattersonArtsWestchester
A Lovely Day
Artist depiction of a idealized outdoor, backyard scene created through the use of mixed media. Artist Lavonne Patterson is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center in Mount Vernon, NY.
Station (21st Century) by Edward MoralesArtsWestchester
Station
Abstracted painting done in an array of colours and shapes meant to invoke the the image of modern urban dwellings. Artist Edward Morales is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center in Mount Vernon, NY.
Blessings (21st Century) by Marcia SpenceArtsWestchester
Blessings
Abstracted painting done in a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes meant to invoke the feeling of blessing in one's life. Artist Marcia Spence is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center in Mount Vernon, NY.
Rockland Psychiatric Center at White Plains
Located in White Plains, NY, Rockland Psychiatric Center at White Plains serves mental health consumers throughout Westchester County. The exhibiting artists receiving services from this center include: Eric Muenzinger, Lil Chub, Lisa Della Badia, Marlyn Torres, Omar Watson and Steven Lazaro.
Sunshine on a Grey Day (21st Century) by Lisa Della BadiaArtsWestchester
Sunshine on a Grey Day
Floral depiction of stylized flowers on a background of grey. Artwork symbolizes the essences of hope and positivity in a world/society that often has a bleak outlook. Artist Lisa Della Badia is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center in White Plains, NY.
Coming Out of the Shell (21st Century) by Marlyn TorresArtsWestchester
Coming Out of the Shell
Book written by artist documenting her struggles and life experiences living with her mental and physical ailments. Author Marlyn Torres is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center in White Plains, NY.
Vision by Playland, Rye (21st Century) by Eric MuenzingerArtsWestchester
Vision by Playland, Rye
Landscape work depicting a specific tree within the confides of Rye Playland Amusement Park. A landmark of Westchester County, Playland is one of the US's oldest amusement parks. Artist Eric Muenzinger is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center in White Plains, NY.
Mental Health Association - Sterling Community Center
Located in White Plains, NY, MHA – Sterling Community Center serves mental health consumers throughout Westchester County. The exhibiting artists receiving services from this center include: Cynthia Bruno, John Graves, Keith Small, Laura Friedman, Lynn Brandon and William Klein.
Rockland Psychiatric Center - Recovery Center
Located in Orangburg, NY, Recovery Center serves mental health consumers throughout Westchester County. The exhibiting artists receiving services from this center include: Clarence Newcomb, Donald Wilson, Dunstan Bretton, Franklin Castro, Jennifer Dahling, Judyann Eagan, Roger Woodson and Sergio Castillo.
Unidentified Flying Object (21st Century) by Sergio CastilloArtsWestchester
UFO
Series of panel depictions of various objects and locations set to the background of the night sky. All individual objects come to together to form the basis of this overall work. Artist Sergio Castillo is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center - Recovery Center.
Dragon Lady (21st Century) by Clarence NewcombArtsWestchester
Dragon Lady
Female depiction of a mythical lady with a dragon guarding the background. Done in a style invoking classic Fantasy art and elements of Japanese anime. Artist Clarence Newcomb is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center - Recovery Center.
Frida Kahlo (21st Century) by Franklin CastroArtsWestchester
Frida Kahlo
Depiction of Mexican Surrealist artist Frida Kahlo. Capturing her iconic stare and style, Castro uses bright vibrant colours to draw the viewer into the work. Artist Franklin Castro is a member of the Rockland Psychiatric Center - Recovery Center.
Human Development Services of Westchester at Hope House
Located in Port Chester, NY, HDSW at Hope House serves mental health consumers throughout Westchester County. The exhibiting artists receiving services from this center include: Angel Althill, Christine Moore, Eli Sacco, Gaelen Higgins, John Kim, Leonel James Henderson, Peter Giaccio, Sue Susskind, Talia Woolfe and Timothy Brown.
They Heard Them (21st Century) by Timothy BrownArtsWestchester
They Heard Them
Poem expressing the artist's paranoia that he feels on a daily basis. Poem is seen as a classic example of creative writing. Artist Timothy Brown is a member of the Human Development Services of Westchester at Hope House.
Jewelry (21st Century) by Gaelen HigginsArtsWestchester
Jewelry
Sample display highlighting the artist's numerous styles of jewelry. All jewelry is handcrafted and comes from a wide array of rare and precious stones/crystals. Artist Gaelen Higgins is a member of the Human Development Services of Westchester at Hope House.
Appletree Day & Night (21st Century) by Talia WoolfeArtsWestchester
Appletree Day & Night
Artistic rendition of an Apple Tree that spans the course of a day. Work is divided by the tree into two panels showcasing the height of both daytime and nighttime. Artist Talia Woolfe is a member of the Human Development Services of Westchester at Hope House.
Saint Vincent’s Hospital
Located in Harrison, NY, HDSW at Hope House serves mental health consumers throughout Westchester County. The exhibiting artists receiving services from this center include: Selina Kearney, Lisa Rozner and Paul Nayman.
Recovery (21st Century) by Selina KearneyArtsWestchester
Recovery
Pastoral landscape scene done by the artist Salina Kearney. Artist Salina Kearney is a member of Saint Vincent's Hospital.
Cringe (21st Century) by Paul NaymanArtsWestchester
Cringe
Dream-like surrealist work depicted through the use of expressive brushwork and somber colouring. Artist Paul Nayman is a member of Saint Vincent's Hospital.
New York Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center
Located in White Plains, New York Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center serves mental health consumers throughout Westchester County. The exhibiting artist receiving services from this center include: Donna Brigandi.
Independent Artists
The following individuals are not affiliated with any of the participating agencies. These exhibit artists are Christina Caroline Thomas, Gregory Di Folco, Bernie, Gallia Taranto, Liana Currivan, Ryan and Sid S. Sign.
Balance of Mortality (21st Century) by Liana CurrivanArtsWestchester
Balance of Mortality
Graphic design work using stylized imagery and colouring to create a surrealist image. Artist Liana Currivan is a member of the group of independent artists that take part in this exhibition.
ArtsWestchester
New York State Office of Mental Health
Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health
Westchester County Government
Human Development Services of Westchester at Hope House
Independent Artists
Mental Health Association - Sterling Community Center
New York Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center
Rockland Psychiatric Center at Mount Vernon
Rockland Psychiatric Center - Recovery Center
Rockland Psychiatric Center at White Plains
Saint Vincent’s Hospital
*All photographs courtesy of John Rizzo
