Selected Works of Featured 149 Mason Street Artists:
Tete F., Denise T., Diana R., Linda H., Diana T., Lamin K., Abelino F., Clarita S.
Curated by:
Cathy D. Purcell, Ari Neulight, Dori Caminong and Heather Curtis
The impetus and naming of 149 art group came from Georgia O’Keefe’s works in Taos, New Mexico. Here, like Georgia’s band of friends and erstwhile souls, are a diverse group of individuals seeking a haven, a refuge, a place to begin and continue healing from life’s challenges and traumas, while recreating their lives and in the process creating community.
As case managers we explore different activities, events and group options to decrease isolation and encourage socialization. That is part of the social work process that you learn while in school.
What cannot be taught is the ability to envision the self-actualization of community members, bringing forth and sharing their creative and artistic selves which had been sequestered while undertaking the daily experience of “survival.” Talking about, being near, remembering and creating art speaks to our truest selves, the ones were words are insufficient, allowing and embracing beauty in its pristine form.
I “saw” 149 Mason’s exhibit in the Creative Space long before any discussions and coordination began.
Beyond the exhibit and the recognition and acknowledgement of the artists and groups, is the magic that emerges in the weekly gathering on Mondays at 2:00p.m. Fears, dreams, hopes, goals are spoken and realized, her stories/histories shared while the tools of pastels, water colors, colored pencils, sketch pads, are the physical implements and paths that unleash the encounters.
- Cathy D. Purcell