Visions 2021: Unmasked

Visions 2021 is an exhibition that invites the public to better understand those diagnosed with mental illnesses.

Variants (21st Century) by RyanArtsWestchester

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.

Weaving at the Farm (21st Century) by Jennifer DahlingArtsWestchester

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.

Tears of Power (21st Century) by Omar WatsonArtsWestchester

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.

Steel and Arrows (21st Century) by Steven SmartArtsWestchester

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.

Apartment Condo, Steven Stern, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Small Office Complex, Steven Stern, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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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.

Chill, Joe Parciasepe, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Rainbow, Joe Parciasepe, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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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.

Charity's Note, Andrea Alampi, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Silver Sphynx Cat, Andrea Alampi, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Shapes, Robin Randolph, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Hearts, Robin Randolph, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Nat in Chips, Brian Hiland, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Big Link Geiconat, Brian Hiland, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Untitled I, Paul Evans, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Untitled II, Paul Evans, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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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.

Indian (21st Century) by Steven LazaroArtsWestchester

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.

Rum and Teeth, Lil Chub, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Upside Down Rum, Lil Chub, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Wheel of Justice (21st Century) by Laura FriedmanArtsWestchester

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.

Untitled 2, William Klein, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Untitled 1, William Klein, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Abstraction 1, Keith Small, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Abstraction 2, Keith Small, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Calligraphy 1, Lynn Brandon, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Calligraphy 2, Lynn Brandon, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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A Friend, John Graves, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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The Lord, John Graves, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Long Aurora Borealis Necklace, Cynthia Bruno, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Long Casual Black Necklace, Cynthia Bruno, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Long Green Dressy Necklace, Cynthia Bruno, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Gold Self Andes Peru (21st Century) by Franklin CastroArtsWestchester

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.

Beloved, Donald Wilson, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Sparks, Donald Wilson, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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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.

Four Noun, Roger Woodson, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Iron Nose, Roger Woodson, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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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.

The Mouse, Dunstan Bretton, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Mickey Mouse, Dunstan Bretton, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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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.

Boat with Waves, Judyann Eagan, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Owl and Flowers, Judyann Eagan, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Bracelets (21st Century) by Christine MooreArtsWestchester

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. 

Vermont, Sue Susskind, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Candy, Sue Susskind, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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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.

N64 Nostalgia, Angel Althill, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Final Fantasy Nostalgia, Angel Althill, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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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.

Peter's Number Two, Peter Giaccio, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Peter's Number One, Peter Giaccio, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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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.

The Blue Abstract Dragon, John Kim, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Abstract Snowflake, John Kim, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Red Moon, Leonel James Henderson, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Abstract Dragon, Leonel James Henderson, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Monarch by Make-Up, Eli Sacco, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Healed People Heal People, Eli Sacco, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Basket of Color (21st Century) by Lisa RoznerArtsWestchester

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.

Flower Cross (21st Century) by Donna BrigandiArtsWestchester

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.

Jesus Hotline 24/7 (21st Century) by Christina Caroline ThomasArtsWestchester

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.

Our Song of Society, Sid S. Sign, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Solace Solidarity, Sid S. Sign, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Cherry Blossom, Gallia Taranto, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Pink Landscape, Gallia Taranto, 21st Century, From the collection of: ArtsWestchester
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Credits: Story

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

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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