Date: Mar 12, 2008

19th Annual Art Expressions Show Honors Artists with Mental Disabilities

Through April 30, 2008, at the Scott Skodnek Business Development Center

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY ... The 19th Annual Art Expressions Exhibition, co-sponsored by the Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services, and Hofstra University, will be held at Hofstra through April 30, 2008. On display will be 59 compelling pieces of artwork created by persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities, who attend Nassau County programs. The exhibit includes portraits, landscapes, still life, abstract art and cartoons.

On March 14, 2008, at 10:30 a.m., a special reception will be held at Hofstra, where each artist will be awarded a certificate of recognition from Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi.

Arlene Sanchez, commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services stated, “Art Expressions is a wonderful event, because it helps to end the stigma against persons with psychiatric and developmental disabilities”.

Mary Beth Jacovides, the associate director for event management planning at Hofstra indicated, “Each year we look forward to the Art Expressions Exhibit, as it turns the hallways of the Scott Skodnek Business Development Center at Hofstra into a professional art gallery. The artwork really brightens our day!”

John A. Javis, a program director from the Mental Health Association of Nassau County, serves as the Chair of the Art Expressions Exhibition. He expressed that, “What is powerful about Art Expressions is that the artwork symbolizes healing and recovery from psychiatric and developmental disabilities.” He went on to express gratitude to Hofstra University for serving as host. “The consumer artists are honored to have their artwork on display at such a prestigious university as Hofstra.”
 
In conjunction with the art exhibition, a “coffee house” will be held at Hofstra on April 25, 2008. The event features performances by musicians, poets, and comedians who have disabilities.

Art Expressions 2008 is open to the public, and is free of charge The show is housed in the second floor of the Hofstra University Axinn Library in the Scott Skodnek Business Development Center. For more information call Mary Beth Jacovides of Hofstra at (516) 463-6812 or John Javis of the MHA of Nassau at (516) 489-1120 ext. 1101.

The Mental Health Association of Nassau County is a not-for-profit membership organization that works to promote mental health in the community through advocacy, education, program development and the delivery of direct services.  
                                                                    
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