Studio Montclair and the Healing Arts Program of Atlantic Health System present “Healing through Art,” an exhibition from April 2 to April 29, 2017 at the Montclair Public Library.
An opening reception, from 6 to 8:45pm on April 3, 2017 included a panel discussion moderated by co-curator Ania Lesiak. Panelists were RitaMarie Cimini, Laura Shabazz, and Florence Weisz , as well as co-curator Maria Lupo.
Montclair Public Library Gallery
50 S. Fullerton Ave.
Montclair, NJ 07042
HOURS: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm | Fri & Sat 10am-6pm | Sun 1-6pm
The exhibit features highly personal work that highlights the importance of visual art’s healing influence and its ability to improve an individual’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
“Studies have shown that creating art can reduce stress and anxiety, as well as foster positive emotions and connection to others,” Lesiak said. “For many artists, this knowledge is first-hand and involves ‘getting in the zone’ where productivity, meditation, and creativity collide.”
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Virginia Schaffer Block, Ellie Brown, RitaMarie Cimini, Robin E. Clark, Aubrie Emmons George, Susan Gilli, Mary Howe, Miriam Jacobs, Jade Lam, Carole Lane, Elizabeth Langer, Colleen Lineberry, Linda Steinhardt Majzner, Maria Maneos, Angel Martinez, Elinor Meeks, Anthony Mire, Walter S. Oliver, Roni Ramos, Sophia Richman, Laura Shabazz, Michael Sherman, Amy Tingle, Florence Weisz
CURATORS
Ania Lesiak is an artist and arts professional that has been with the Healing Arts Program since 2013. As part of her role in the Atlantic Health System (“AHS”) Healing Arts Program, she plans and curates exhibitions surrounding a wide population, from professional artists to patients and employees of the healthcare system. She manages the annual Atlantic Health System employee and family art exhibition which invites over 14,000 employees and their family members to exhibit artwork. She also co-curated the “Healing through Art” juried exhibition at Rutgers University’s Paul Robeson Galleries in Newark in 2015. Lesiak received her B.A. in Studio Art from Drew University and apprenticed with painter Tom Birkner. She continues to practice her art today and is an active member of Studio Montclair.
Maria Lupo, MFA, MA-ATR, registered art therapist, is the Healing Arts Manager for Atlantic Health System. She presides over the Healing Arts Coalition, a community group sponsored by Atlantic Health. Lupo received her Masters of Fine Arts degree from Hunter College (CUNY), NYC and a Bachelors of Arts Degree from Rutgers University. She also holds a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Caldwell University with Specialization in Art Therapy. She serves on the Board of NOAH (National Organization for Arts in Health) and received the 2010 Award for Outstanding Arts Professional from Morris Arts. Recognized by the National Arts Program for her outstanding work in the community, Ms. Lupo is a recipient of an NJ State fellowship award and exhibits her artwork nationally. Lupo is a Doctoral Candidate in Medical Humanities at Drew University. Her artwork is included in many public and private collections.
About Healing Arts
The Healing Arts Program at Atlantic Health System provides opportunities to experience health and well-being by bringing literary, performing, and visual arts to our patients, staff and the communities we serve.
About Atlantic Health System
Atlantic Health System, headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey, is a leading non-profit health care delivery system in New Jersey. Our network includes Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ; Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ; Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ; Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ; Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ; and Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, as well as Atlantic Rehabilitation, and Atlantic Home Care and Hospice. It also includes its subsidiary, Atlantic Ambulance Corporation. Atlantic Health System comprises 1,747 licensed beds, more than 14,000 employees and more than 4,000 physicians. Atlantic Health System has a medical school affiliation with the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University; is part of Atlantic Accountable Care Organization, one of the largest ACOs in the nation, and is a member of AllSpire Health Partners.
Reception, Monday April 3, 2017.
Photos: Kate Albright Photo