Studio E Art Therapy Exhibition @ Cuchifritos Gallery
EFMNY’s Studio E Art Therapy Gallery Exhibition
WHEN: June 2 – June 7, 2015
WHERE: Cuchifritos Gallery + Project Space, Lower East Side
FEATURED ARTISTS: Ira Hechtlinger, Marsha Hunter, Michael Jones, Stephen Julien, Christine Negrón, Alexander Mark Ronan, Jules Shapiro and Elena Shweky
The Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York is proud to present the Studio E Art Therapy Gallery Exhibition at Cuchifritos Gallery & Project Space. This important exhibit showcases the work created by participants of the EFMNY’s Studio E Art Therapy Program sponsored by Lundbeck. Over the course of 8 weeks, participants worked with licensed art therapist Melissa Díaz, LCAT, to create art pieces using visual mediums in a group setting. The resulting body of work represents the artists’ creativity and unique spirit.
These incredible works will be on display and for sale at the Cuchifritos Gallery & Project Space. There will be a special opening event on Tuesday, June 2 from 5-8pm. The exhibit continues through Sunday, June 7 and is open to the public from 12pm-6pm daily.
Come out and directly support the artists, as well as the EFMNY’s unique mission to provide epilepsy awareness, advocacy, and vital services and supports to individuals and families affected by epilepsy.
Studio E followed an open studio approach by providing artist-quality art materials and an openness for participants to choose their own mediums and content of their artworks. Throughout the eight weeks, participants utilized the group in a variety of ways, as a source for communication, relaxation, emotional processing, skill building, and enjoyment. Additionally, the Studio E group offered a space for interpersonal exchange, providing a safe and validating environment to explore feelings surrounding the physical and emotional impact of living with Epilepsy. As well, the art making process offered opportunities for self-exploration, leading to increased self-esteem which can aid in a sense of autonomy and mastery in other areas of life. The process of creating offers a sense of mastery, fights stigma, and promotes self-worth.
The present exhibition is an important extension of the Art Therapeutic Process. The art product now can act as a tangible mirror, reflecting back to the individual artist that Epilepsy does not define whom he/she is. The visual image conveys symbolic meaning as the artwork aided in my understanding and empathy towards the experience of living with Epilepsy. The art image is a powerful tool for empowering and de-stigmatizing individuals with Epilepsy.
-Melissa Díaz, ATR-BC, LCAT, Facilitator of the EFMNY Studio E Program
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