Engagement in the creation of a work of art, in and of itself, is therapeutic. Artists have instinctually known the advantages of becoming immersed in the creative process. Today the physical and emotional benefits of creative engagement are well documented and used in a plethora of therapeutic models. Ultimately, a work of art is emblematic of any human being’s desire for self-realization and universal communication. This desire does not diminish with disability.

The Viewpoint Gallery celebrates the creative spirit with four major initiatives: a juried national acquisitions exhibition for artists with disabilities, the Viewpoint Gallery Art Collection, the Studio Arts Project, and a one-person/small group exhibition series.

National Acquisitions Exhibition for Artists with Disabilities

7th National Acquisitions Exhibition for Artists with Disabilities

Best-in-Show

Juror’s Choice Award

Viewpoint Gallery Art Collection

At present, more than 90 works of art created by artists with disabilities make their permanent home in this collection, hung throughout the public corridors of the hospital. All works of art have been selected through a rigorous professional juried process and then acquired by the gallery through direct purchase or private donation.

This selection process works to reveal many extraordinarily committed and talented artists and assures that the collection is not dominated by any one particular style, but rather forms a true representation of the diversity in American contemporary art.

The collection is open to the public for viewing with the hope that patients, visitors and staff will find encouragement and inspiration from these exemplary expressions of the human spirit.

For more information about the artists and to view the art collection, click here.

The recently published Beyond Our Walls: Viewpoint Gallery, Walking Tour Guide is available for those who would like to take a self-guided tour of the collection. Feel free to contact, gallery director, Ruth Hall Daly, at (518) 386-3520, or rdaly@sunnyview.org for a copy.

The Studio Arts Project

The Studio Arts Project was developed in 2002 to provide art instruction to our students in a compassionate, supportive environment and in such a way as to promote creativity, independence, dignity, and community integration. Classes are designed to fuel the imagination while simultaneously encouraging students to develop their own individual abilities and body of knowledge by understanding technical, material, aesthetic and perceptual issues. Individuals who have gone through the process of rehabilitation or maintenance at Sunnyview, Northeast Health or one of its satellite affiliates may take part in the program. Any outpatient or former patient is invited to participate. No experience is necessary.

This is a great opportunity to try your hand at drawing, painting, or just putting your creativity to work. Taught by local professional artists, classes are designed to accommodate limitations or physical disability. A licensed recreational therapist is present to assist instructors and to help make your experience at Sunnyview comfortable and enjoyable.

For more information: Click Here (PDF)

One-person/small group exhibition series:

In a constant effort to support artists with disabilities, whenever possible, the Viewpoint Gallery exhibits small group and/or one-person exhibitions each year in its gallery space on the first floor of the hospital. Since its inception in 2004, it has offered the following exhibitions: