Bridgeway Rehabilitation 50th

The Art of Wellness. “You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.” George Bernard Shaw Art therapy and creative expression not only yields insight and healing, it also has unleashed a 20-year history of beautiful works of art produced by our persons served. Each year outstanding work is presented at the James Howe Fine Arts Gallery, Kean University in Union. The program has been underwritten by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs for nearly 20 years. Many of the persons served whose work is presented are part of Bridgeway’s Bridge to Wellness Creative Arts Unit and Fine Arts program. In 2015 our “Discovering Artists” exhibit used art to visually depict mental illness symptoms. The juried competition honored one of the founders of Bridgeway’s art program, Sally Robinson, with the Sally Robinson Art Achievement Award. Additionally, one artist was chosen to receive the Emerging Artist Award. Sarah ‘Sally’ Bonham Robinson, a long-time and very special friend and supporter to Bridgeway, was an artist, educator, and mental health professional who devoted her life to the service of others. She was one of our most stalwart advocates as a Board president, fundraiser, and advisor. The visual arts classes and exhibits that Sally Robinson originated in 1998 continue to have a positive impact on individuals in recovery. “I first met Sally Robinson while I was Dean of the School of Visual & Performing Arts at Kean University. Sally had initiated an annual art exhibition for Bridgeway in the University’s James Howe Gallery. Even on our first meeting, I found her passion for art and opportunities for artists contagious. When she and Cory invited me to join the Board of Trustees of Bridgeway, there was no way I could refuse,” says Dr. Carole Shaffer-Koros, Bridgeway Board of Trustees. Sally knew how to inspire others with her fabulous enthusiasm and energy. She believed that art gave people permission to express their emotions when everything else in their environment suggested they should hide. Dr. Carole Shaffer-Koros SALLY ROBINSON 10