The Arc of Opportunity’s March 2018 Art Exhibit

The Arc of Opportunity’s latest art exhibition was in March 2018 in honor of National Disability Awareness month and took place at The Fitchburg Art Museum. The title of this exhibition was: The Whole Gestalt as by definition gestalt is an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts. The mosaic featured in this exhibition, among seventeen individual artworks, was a good visual example of this. Since one of the goals of The Arc is community inclusion, the glass tile mosaic was a larger collaborative piece that was created with individuals attending art therapy groups as well as with members of the community.Not only was the mosaic created with the community in some capacity, but also for the community. The mosaic will be hung outside the children’s section of the Fitchburg Public Library after being exhibited at the museum later in the spring. Considering the mosaic’s final destination, the mosaic is a triptych of a landscape that relates to the idea that “reading can take you places.” The goal was for the mosaic to be bright, colorful, and have a whimsical feel.Individuals from The Arc frequent the library, therefore, a mosaic in this location will offer individuals a sense of pride in seeing their work displayed in the community on a regular basis.This year’s art show was very successful with individuals own art on sale as well and more than half of that saleable artwork being sold (proceeds going to the artist). The reception had around sixty people in attendance, and perhaps the most important success was that the participating artists felt validated by having their work displayed and acknowledged by the many people who viewed their artwork. Additionally, since the mosaic will eventually be hung and displayed at the entrance to the children’s section to the Fitchburg Public Library these benefits will continue as it will be there for the public to appreciate it.Artwork, when displayed publicly, sends a message, providing advocacy and a means for inclusion.The art therapy programming offered at The Arc of Opportunity helps to achieve part of the organization's mission inherently in the process of creating art, through art exhibitions, and by creating art for and with the community. The process of creating art is life-enhancing and the product says something too. It says we are here making our mark and positively contributing to the community. Look what we can do!