With special thanks to The Ringling´s Executive Director Steven High, and Community Relations Coordinator Caitlyn Shanley, Academy members, along with our graphic design instructor Joanne Campbell, created a diverse and exciting show that captures the spirit of our community. Aptly titled “The Art of Recovery,” the show´s stunning pieces are accompanied by artist statements that reveal the healing nature of the artistic process, providing a glimpse into the hearts and minds of artists living with mental health challenges.

The show premiered this past Thursday evening with a reception of nearly one hundred guests – the largest audience the museum has seen in their community gallery. Members Erika Schlunk and Chantel Gingerich spoke eloquently about the vitality of artmaking as well as the impact of inclusion in this prestigious show. Joanne Campbell beamed from the podium as she shared her pride in our resident artists, sharing a bit about the how much love and effort went into its inception, and our Executive Director William McKeever shared his thoughts on the magnitude of the experience.

Not to be outdone, our culinary team also impressed the crowd. The Ringling usually caters these events in-house, but we weren’t about to leave our food artisans out of the show. From lobster rolls and tuna tartare to macha macarons and mousse, all artfully displayed, the buffet was yet another work of art for guests to savor. 

The Academy, now in its seventh year, has had many shining moments, but this one really stands out. Those of us who know these artists are not surprised by their success, but now the world gets to see what we have known: The power of creativity is strong medicine. As Erika Schlunk said at the reception, “even in my darkest moments, I learned that I could create something beautiful that someone would want to see. They would want something of me. Through art I was able to feel like a full and complete person.”