New Exhibition Opens The Ringling’s Community Gallery

August 9, 2023 – Sarasota

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to announce the opening of “The Art of Recovery,” presented by the Academy at Glengary, on view in The Ringling’s Community Gallery August 10 through December 8, 2023. Featuring paintings, drawings, sculptures and jewelry created by the members of the Academy at Glengary and Academy at Bradenton, this exhibition features the works of adult artists who are on their journey to mental health recovery. 

“The Art of Recovery” highlights ways in which engaging with art can be beneficial for mental health. Each artist has included an artist statement with their work, and many describe how artmaking helps them in reducing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders. According to the exhibiting artists, the creative process can also increase self-esteem and provide an emotional outlet to express feelings which may be difficult to put into words. Artist Rebecca Wolfson explains, “Creating art, like jewelry and felted wool pieces, makes me feel accomplished. I love to use many different colors. It creates such beautiful and lovely art. Creating art of any kind makes me feel something amazing.” 

The Ringling’s Community Gallery is a key component of the museum’s strategic initiative to become more accessible and inclusive to all and provides a place to showcase diverse creative output from community partners. “We are thrilled to work alongside the Academy at Glengary in presenting this impactful exhibition,” says Caitlyn Shanley, Community Relations Coordinator. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the talented Academy members for sharing their personal narratives through their remarkable and varied works of art.” 

The collaboration between The Ringling and the Academy at Glengary has further strengthened both institutions’ commitment to promoting mental health awareness, destigmatizing mental health challenges and promoting the importance of artistic expression as a tool for healing.  

Exhibitions at The Ringling’s Community Gallery are always free to visit; visitors can check in at the museum’s Visitor Pavilion upon arrival and ask for a Community Gallery wristband. For additional information and hours, visit https://www.ringling.org/production/community-gallery.