Formerly Mental Health Awareness Gallery, ARTLife717, located at 717 Columbia Street has changed its name and logo, but maintains their mission of selling art created by those with mental health or substance abuse issues. The gallery, now in its fifth year, has a new gallery manager, Jesse Sanchez, and showcases over 100 artists.
In 2010, Brian Belt became a fully-certified NYS Mental Health Peer Specialist. While he was running a support group, “I noticed many of my peers in recovery had artistic talents. If they could come out as artists and have a space to show their art, it would minimize the stigma around mental health issues.”
Artists throughout the country find ARTLife717 via their Facebook page. There’s a broad range of art on display including paintings, sculpture, and metal artwork. Brian explains, “The gallery is an inclusive space for anyone to submit their work, regardless of their mental health diagnosis, or if they have ever had a diagnosis.”
“We create an environment at ARTLife717 where everyone is equal.” says Brian.
ARTLife717 is sponsoring a Gift Show on Saturday, November 22nd from noon to 8pm.
“It’s going to be a big group of artists selling arts and crafts and gifts at affordable prices. There will be ornaments for $3, and many works of art $20 or less. “The Gift Show is also a way to bring the community together,” says Brian.
For more information, see the Gift Show’s facebook event.
ARTLife717‘s regular hours are noon to 5pm, Thursday to Saturday.