Now on exhibit at the Elusie Fine Art Gallery

VISUAL VOICES

Artwork by 18 artists from
Lucy Mueller Young's
Art Therapy Program

August 2 - August 30
Artists Reception Aug. 9, 5-8pm
part of Art Walk Easthampton

Following the "Easthampton High School's Arts Festival" and the Northeast Center for Youth and Family's "Artful Journeys", "Visual Voices” is the last of a series of exhibitions at the at the Elusie Gallery that showcases work by artists who have limited access to traditional galleries.

"Visual Voices" features paintings and sculpture from eighteen artists who use vibrant color to express their emotions and interests. Without formal training but encouraged to use paints to create and express themselves, these dynamic and joyous artworks demonstrate that art is for everyone.   From the cascade of dancing waves in “Whimsical” by Julianne Ware of Northampton to the proud sculpture of George Washington on his white horse by Alex Vogel of Easthampton, “Visual Voices” showcases individual’s passions and interests.  Audell Green of Springfield works in a style reminiscent of Hans Hoffman; Steven Stawas also of Springfield often mimics Kandinski; Mary from Agawam creates each still life from her immediate environment.  These artists, however, develop their unique signature by experimentation and the rich exchange of visual inspiration from painting in a group.  When painting together, participants are able to share experiences and emotions with more than words.

The artists in “Visual Voices” paint together in three different groups in Northampton and Springfield that are facilitated by Lucy Mueller Young, Co-Director of The Art Therapy Studio.  Some painters have been members of these expressive arts groups for five years; a few have just recently joined in.  A highlight of the exhibition is a mobile of individual pieces assembled together to hang in one of the expansive windows of the Elusie Gallery.