Renewal: Healing Through Art

Open Call for Submissions: July 9th – September 23rd 2024

Submission Deadline: September 23rd 11:59pm. Artists will be notified of their acceptance status by October 1st. While there are no submission fees for this exhibit, we do require that artists are residents of or work/play/stay in Connecticut. All submissions will be reviewed through an online form.

**PLEASE NOTE: the platform we chose for the submission form (Google Forms) REQUIRES you have a Gmail account to submit your work. We understand this is not ideal for everyone, but it is free and easy to create a Gmail account. If you need assistance, please email our Curatorial Chair Marianna Martino at curator@windsorartcenter.org.

      If your submission is selected, the dates for art delivery and pick up are below:

• Artwork Drop Off: November 9th – 10:00am – 12:00pm
• Artwork Pick Up Date: December 22nd –  10:00am – 12:00pm

• Exhibition Dates: 11/16/24 – 12/21/24
• Exhibition Hours: Thurs. 6 – 8 PM Sat. 10 AM – 4 PM Sun. 11 AM – 4 PM
• Opening Reception: Saturday, November 16th, 5 – 7PM

EXHIBIT EVENTS

“In Our Own Voice” Recovery presentation:  Sunday, December 1st 2pm Free event, donations welcome!

NAMI In Our Own Voice presentations change attitudes, assumptions and ideas about people with mental health conditions. These free, 40-, 60- or 90-minute presentations provide a personal perspective of mental health conditions, as leaders with lived experience talk openly about what it’s like to have a mental health condition.

Panel Discussion – Arts & Wellness: Thursday, December 5th 6pm Free event, donations welcome!

A panel of professionals come together to discuss the intersection of arts and wellness and the significant role that creativity plays in healing.

About this exhibit:

“Renewal: Healing Through Art” is a transformative art exhibition centered around the theme of healing and wellness. This proposal aims to curate a diverse collection of artworks that explore the power of creativity in promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The exhibition will feature pieces that inspire reflection, encourage self-expression, and evoke a sense of renewal and rejuvenation from creating art. 

Through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, artists will share their personal journeys of healing and resilience. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the artworks on a deeper level, fostering moments of introspection and connection.

In addition to the visual art on display, the exhibition will offer interactive healing practices such as guided meditation sessions, workshops and panel discussions with artists and wellness experts. These activities will provide attendees with practical tools and insights to incorporate art and creativity into their own wellness practices.

“Renewal” seeks to create a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals can explore the intersection of art, healing, and wellness. By showcasing the transformative power of creativity, the exhibition aims to inspire hope, foster resilience, and promote holistic well-being within our community.

Goals and Objectives:

1. Promote Healing: The primary goal of the art show is to promote healing and emotional well-being among participants by providing them with a safe and supportive space to engage with art that speaks to their experiences.
2. Raise Awareness: Through artistic expression, the show aims to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and self-care, reduce stigma surrounding mental illness, and foster a greater understanding of the healing process.
3. Community Engagement: The art show will serve as a platform for community engagement and dialogue, bringing together diverse groups of people to share their stories, support one another, and build connections.
4. Empowerment: By showcasing the transformative power of art, the project seeks to empower individuals to harness their creativity as a tool for healing and personal growth.

This exhibition is made possible with support from Hartford Foundation for Public giving, Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, individuals, businesses, and organizations in our community.

Exhibition hours for the Windsor Art Center are Thursday: 6 to 8pm; Saturday: 10am to 4pm; and Sunday: 11am to 4pm. 

Located in Windsor, Connecticut, the Windsor Art Center is a nonprofit organization that promotes the visual and performing arts, and presents visual art exhibits showcasing the works of a variety of artists working in diverse media. There is no charge to visit the gallery or the on-site gift shop which features locally made art. Parking is free and easily accessible. For more information on the current exhibition, scheduled programs, membership, and performing or exhibiting in the gallery, visit: www.windsosrartcenter.org.