Old Bethpage, NY - July 5, 2016 - Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE) invites everyone to a Meet the Artists Reception to honor special needs artists participating in their Fine Art and Art Therapy Programs who have their mixed media constructions exhibited at the The LENZ Winery on 38355 New York State Route 25, Peconic, NY. The reception will be held at The LENZ Winery on Friday, July 8, 2016, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
The LENZ Winery, one of Long Island’s oldest and most prestigious North Fork vineyards, has long been a supporter of FREE. They have hosted a number of showcases for artwork created by members of FREE’s art program.
FREE, a leader in the field of human services dedicated to helping individuals of all abilities realize their full potential believes that Art Therapy provides a powerful means for healing and communication for anyone, but especially for people who find it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings through spoken words alone.
The exhibit runs from June 30th, 2016 – September 5th, 2016. “Landscape Constructions” was their first professionally juried competition of artwork created by the Artists of FREE. Over one hundred fifty pieces were vigorously created over a six month period for this year’s collection. One hundred and six qualifying pieces were put before an esteemed panel of judges from the New York art and business community as the finalists. Fifty three Landscape Constructions were selected by the judges. The collection consists of two tiers of excellence, with Tier One containing the first through third place winners, seven pieces awarded with honorable mention and the next best fifteen pieces.
2nd Place Winner - FLORIDA by Peter B.
Tier Two contains the remaining twenty eight works. The wide ranging depictions of sky, land, water and other natural elements are interpreted through three styles of art. Realistic, impressionistic, and abstract multi- media constructions were created with some artists making up to six renditions to arrive at their final submission.
The artists represented are the finalists whose quality of work “rose high enough” to have garnered entrance into this prestigious collection. Their courage and strength led them down the challenging path of self-revelation and allowed them to “talk to us” through the hidden language of images, colors and symbols.
While the artwork is beautiful to look at it is important to recognize the incredible depth of emotional release that took place over months of work with all of our dedicated staff. It was their patience and unerring commitment to “stay the course” and believe that our artists could reach high to not only “see their healing image”, but also commit it to permanent form for all to share in their vision.
3rd Place Winner - SUNSET AT THE BEACH by Diane E.
Over the years much has been written about the healing power of art as therapy and the creative process of spiritual self-expression, especially for individuals who may find it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings through spoken words alone. The images on view are a testament to this healing power, as our artists have embraced feelings of trust, hope and resolution, offering them an alternative to conflict and fear, which unfortunately characterizes much of the consciousness present in our world today.
The LENZ Winery, one of Long Island’s oldest and most prestigious North Fork vineyards, has long been a supporter of FREE. They have hosted a number of showcases for artwork created by members of FREE’s art program.
All are encouraged to view the works and perhaps purchase a piece. The proceeds of sales go towards supporting the artist and their program.
About Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE)
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) founded in 1977 and headquartered in Old Bethpage, benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to help individuals of all abilities realize their full potential. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including: housing, recovery services, transition to work, employment, day, community and family services, respite, crisis services, education and after-school support, primary and specialty health care and advocacy. For more information, please call 516-870-7000 or visit www.familyres.org.
About The LENZ Winery
Founded in 1978, The LENZ Winery has some of the most mature vines in the region and given the extensive replanting of California vineyards to avoid further damage from the phylloxera louse, in the country as well. All LENZ wines are estate bottled, meaning they are made from grapes grown entirely in the LENZ vineyards. We strive to create wines that will be among the very best of its type, made anywhere in the world. The LENZ Tasting Room is open daily from 10am - 6pm. For more information, please call 631-734-6010.