(Huntington, NY) Councilwoman Susan A. Berland joined Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) administrators and artists at the B.J. Spoke Gallery to celebrate the success of the “Breaking Down Barriers” exhibition, which offered participants in FREE’s art therapy program the exclusive opportunity to show their work alongside that of the B.J. Spoke Gallery members.
Works produced by the FREE artists were interspersed with works produced by B.J. Spoke Gallery members as part of the “Breaking Down Barriers” exhibit in order to demonstrate that art is both universal and transcendental. The exhibition encouraged viewers to ask the question, “What if there is no disability, only differing styles of self-expression?” and presented the opportunity for FREE artists to enter the world of art commerce, as their works were also put up for sale.
“Art is a powerful form of expression regardless of your age or degree of technical skill,” commented Councilwoman Berland. “I commend the b. j. spoke gallery for giving the participants in FREE’s art therapy programs the opportunity to show their beautiful works of art alongside the gallery’s member artists. I encourage our residents to be on the lookout for more pieces by FREE’s artists and to stop by the b. j. spoke gallery to peruse their ever-changing exhibitions featuring local artists.”
Located in Huntington since 1990, the b. j. spoke gallery is a not-for-profit, member owned and run cooperative art gallery featuring a broad diversification of artistic styles and media. Each year, the gallery features a major juried competition open to artists worldwide, as well as, vibrant monthly programming such as quality invitation shows, exchange exhibits with other galleries, panel discussions, workshops, young and emerging artists and guest artists and lecturers.
Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Old Bethpage, Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) benefits and supports more than 3,500 individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and traumatic brain injuries in realizing their full potential. FREE’s art therapy program empowers individuals who find it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings through spoken words and enables them to create images that are testament to the transformation of feelings of anger, fear and chaos into safety, trust, understanding and love.
