Artists First Gallery Opening

Attend the free, public opening of Artists First: Connection, Cohesion & Changeability, on view at The Sheldon Concert Hall & Art Galleries through Aug. 6.

The exhibition will feature 20 Artists First artists, highlighting their passion and dedication to their art. Some of the artists have been involved with Artists First for more than 10 years and consider the studio their haven.

Each featured artist has a unique story to tell.

Artists First is a nonprofit, open art studio that fosters independence through creative self-expression for adults with pervasive mental illness, developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury. The studio serves more than 300 artists annually through a range of artistic programs that provide a creative platform for groups often confined to the fringes of society.

With varying levels of supervision depending on the individual needs of the artists, Artists First staff and volunteers promote participants’ self-esteem through their independent use of materials, exploration of the world of creating art and socialization with their peers.