June 6, 2019 - Throughout the months of March, April, and May 2019 members and staff of Reliance Health’s Supportive Housing Programs had the privilege of working with local artist Jerry Wagner learning how to work in acrylic mediums to create unique abstract color mixes that expressed their inner selves in a new artistic dimension. The project was the result of support from the Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition and the CT Office of the Arts Regional Initiative Grant Project (REGI), which provided funding to several nonprofit groups to create and share art projects that impart visions of hope and healing.

The artists who participated through the Supportive Housing Programs learned to follow Jerry’s instructions, like a recipe, to achieve an amazing effect that was then sealed in a clear glazed acrylic coating. It was through this process that members and staff alike began to let go of everything else, given the freedom to focus solely on the process, on the art. In a special follow up group each artist shared what the experience meant to them. Words such as “freedom”, “joy”, “support” and “caring” were offered while a sense of growth and kinship permeated throughout the group. 

The REGI grant provided the opportunity for a traveling public art exhibit to showcase the arts as a tool for healing while raising awareness of the arts-based health and wellness programs provided by these organizations. The artwork is now on exhibit with works from six other Southeastern CT social and community service organizations including Artreach (Norwich), Child and Family Agency (New London), Horses Healing Humans (Stonington), Our Piece of the Pie (New London), Sound Community Services (New London), and The Light House (New London and East Lyme sites).

The exhibit kicked off its regional tour at Marquee Gallery, 74 State Street in New London on May 17th and ran through June 2nd. During this time a public talk and meet and greet with the artists sponsored by Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition was held. The art will then travel to different venues around Southeastern Connecticut through September 30 including the Reliance Health Gallery, UCONN Avery Point, and arts institutions in Southeastern CT.