The month-long exhibition includes a gallery reception on May 23 and a panel discussion on June 5 to explore and celebrate the healing power of art in all its forms
April 23, 2019 – From May 20 through June 7, ArtServe presents “Reflect: Healing Through Art,” a multi-disciplinary art installation featuring artists of all levels and backgrounds who use art as a tool to positively manage addiction recovery, mental illness, physical disability, injury, chronic illness and the consequential impact of social discrimination.
With the goal of raising awareness about the use of art as a viable therapeutic component of patient care and a powerful contributor to a community’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing, this year’s “Reflect” includes a gallery reception on Thursday, May 23 beginning at 6 p.m. and a panel discussion on Wednesday, June 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. in ArtServe’s new 1,700-square-foot community gallery, which was opened to specifically showcase works and events that respond to the social, educational and cultural needs of the community.
“According to the most recent Legislative Issue Brief: Arts in Health—Strengthening our Nation’s Health Through the Arts, when creative arts services are integrated into medical treatment and community prevention and wellness programs, the results are often transformative,” said ArtServe Executive Director Craig W. Johnson.
Positive outcomes include reduced lengths of hospital stays, decreased need for multiple medical visits, reduced reports of pain and anxiety related to illness and invasive treatment, increased self-esteem and reductions in stress, reduced healthcare-related infection rates, reduced levels of depression and improvements in quality of life.
“Creative arts in healthcare interventions have the potential to address concerns on healthcare spending and the quality of medical care that are currently facing our nation. We’re proud to organize this exhibition at ArtServe because an investment in the arts can undoubtedly be an investment in the health of an individual and the larger community,” Johnson added.
“Reflect: Healing Through Art Gallery Reception” on Thursday, May 23 at 6 p.m.
Join ArtServe for an inspiring showcase of art and a celebration of artists who demonstrate the many ways in which art heals the soul and rejuvenates the spirit during the free gallery reception for “Reflect: Healing Through Art.”
Enjoy performances by students of the Exceptional Theater Company, which energizes and motivates children, teens, adults and seniors with disabilities to achieve creative expression and involvement in the community through the power of theater, as well as performances by independent musicians and dancers who use their art to advocate for patients and manage illness.
Experience the therapeutic power of art and connect with featured artist Wilma Bulkin Siegel, M.D., whose “Spirituality” series of 14 paintings will be on display. Dr. Siegel served as a prominent oncologist in New York City, establishing one of the first Hospices in the state of New York and one of the first to accept AIDS patients. Following her retirement, she combined medicine with her love of painting and became an award-winning artist for her watercolor depictions of people living with AIDS. Her “Spirituality” series consists of portraits of individuals she has identified as healers through their ability to inspire positive change in the lives of others. The subjects of “Spirituality” include an astrologer, Pilates instructor, CEO, dental hygienist and reiki master, psychiatrist and more.
In addition to the featured artist, “Reflect” brings together and displays the work of some of ArtServe’s esteemed nonprofit community partners including:
•Artists with Autism, which helps aspiring artists on the autism spectrum refine their abilities and talents and build businesses around those talents;
•ArtStart, which provides training and workshops for emerging teenage artists to learn how to produce, curate and showcase an art exhibition;
•Feeding South Florida, which is hosting its second annual “Feed Your Creativity” art competition to raise awareness about the issue of summer hunger in South Florida and recognize the talent of local high school students;
•Pace Center for Girls, which provides girls and young women with an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy;
•Rebel’s Drop-In Center, a partnership of Memorial Healthcare System, the Department of Children and Families and the Human Services Department of Broward County that provides free social support, advocacy and peer counseling for individuals recovering from mental health or substance abuse issues; and
•South Florida Wellness Network, a recovery-focused support network that provides mental health and substance abuse treatment programs.
Admission to the gallery reception is free. For more information, visit https://artserve.org/reflect-healinhttps://artserve.org/schedule/reflect_panel/’g-through-art/.
“Reflect: Healing Through Art Panel Discussion” on Wednesday, June 5 at 6 p.m.
Join ArtServe for a deep dive into the power of art as healing therapy with a panel of local experts who have extensive and sometimes personal experience with using art as a recuperative instrument. Moderated by artist and human rights advocate Vicki Rosenthal, the panel will share their stories, offer insights about art as a cultivator of wellness and discuss the impact of their work.
Panelists include stand-up comic and substance abuse counselor Michael Panzeca, Florida Children’s Theatre Executive Director Janet Erlick, ArtServe Executive Director and former Center for Contemporary Dance Executive Director Craig W. Johnson, and former Miami City Ballet dancer and stroke survivor turned painter Isanusi Garcia Rodriguez.
The panel is free and open to the public. Following the discussion, there will be a Q&A with the panel and an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences. For more information and to register to attend, visit https://artserve.org/schedule/reflect_panel/.
About ArtServe, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization born out of a missive established by the Broward Cultural Division in 1988, ArtServe, Inc. became one of six of the nation’s first arts incubators. Designed to provide emerging and seasoned artists the space, education and resources to create new work, build audiences and cultivate self-sustaining business models, ArtServe supports 2,300 artists each year. Also providing professional-development, marketing and technology support for Broward County cultural organizations, the organization is directly responsible for amplifying the County’s cultural vibrancy and strengthening the local economy through the arts. With direct service to the community, ArtServe offers public performances, workshops, community classes in the arts, gallery exhibits and customized, immersive arts experiences for corporations and communities alike. In 2019, the organization is redoubling its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and increasing its focus on the presentation of creative works by artists that promote global wellness, social change and advocacy for special populations. ArtServe is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council, the State of Florida, the Department of State and the Division of Cultural Affairs. Entry to the organization’s ongoing public exhibits is free, and all are welcome. To learn more about upcoming events, please visit www.artserve.org or call (954) 462-8190.
