Artists Touched by Addiction
JUNIPER RAG has partnered with Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., a leading nonprofit organization providing a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment and behavioral health services to assemble an art collection to be displayed on the walls of the beautiful new treatment facility on Main Street in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Juniper Rag is proud to share this collection of artwork.
Juniper Rag's mission is to elevate artists, driven in our ability to showcase exceptional contemporary artists and create opportunities. Founded to bring a new platform for ambitious emerging and mid-level artists, Juniper Rag has established a dynamic community of art-makers, collectors and nonprofits who advocate for the arts. It is not every day that you enter a call and an acceptance can indicate interest in an automatic purchase. An in-person viewing will determine that final decision.
Founded in 1969, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals impacted by addiction and/or mental health disorders.
Founded in 2021, Juniper Rag is a curatorial project offered by Atelier ID Global, LLC., Inc. is a private partnership co-founded by Michelle May and Payal Thiffault with a mission to elevate artists and provide opportunities and pathways for growth.
Juniper Rag invited artists from the local community and beyond…
whose lives have been touched by addiction from the Main South neighborhood and beyond in a call-for-art for a very important project with our corporate partner, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. to create a vibrant and impactful atmosphere on the walls of their beautiful new treatment center on 1023 Main Street in Worcester with artwork from individuals that have been personally impacted by addiction.
Unlike our other calls for art, this call is to be a part of the permanent collection of Spectrum and hang on the walls of their new location. Addiction does not discriminate. We are opening this call to all ages (but please be over 18, unless your parents or guardian approve) because we know so many young people are affected by drugs and alcohol that shapes their lives and we want to include the stories of all, no matter how you have been affected, either personally or by someone you care about. Making art is a process for healing and with each piece that will be purchased for this collection, the intention is to bring the vibrancy of hope and healing into the center through this collection.
This collection is very important to Juniper Rag and we hope you will share the call with anyone you know that would like their story (optional) or their art to be a part of the visual impact of this new treatment center. We are very proud to provide our services in partnership with Spectrum for this project in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Important Dates for Artists
Notification: Artists will be notified mid Feb
Drop off dates: TBD
Opening Reception: TBA
A collaboration with local artists touched by addiction.
Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment and behavioral health services throughout Massachusetts. The mission of Spectrum’s new Main Street treatment center in Worcester is to create a healing environment where local artwork speaks to the journey of recovery and the profound impact of addiction on individuals within our community. The Main South neighborhood is comprised of generations of proud, hardworking people, devoted to strengthening community. Main South is often overshadowed by drug use and higher crime. Spectrum aims to accentuate the positive sense of community by collaborating with local artists to create a safe, judgment free program that is representative of the community in which it resides.
By filling the space with powerful, thought-provoking pieces, Spectrum aims to provide a compassionate and reflective atmosphere, highlighting both the struggles and triumphs of those affected by addiction. Each piece will be carefully selected to inspire hope, resilience, and empathy, while honoring the diverse personal stories that shape the path to recovery.
This collaborative art initiative with Juniper Rag underscores Spectrum’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive space where people feel seen, understood, and motivated to heal.
Learn more about Spectrum Health Systems.
Our Collaborative Goals for a healing environment
The goals of the curation and design team are to incorporate the benefits of environmental sustainability while designing an uplifting environment conducive to healing. The artwork selected is serene-based, with the most common theme being nature, color and vibrance. Nature-themed, landscapes and abstract artwork would be best.
The artwork specified for this building will be complimentary to the architectural design of public spaces and private offices and meeting rooms and the art will add to the ambiance and mood of the spaces.
Artwork is part of our collaborative equation to introduce a harmonious and uplifting environment for clients and staff.
We are hoping for some larger pieces and we are offering stipends on a scale based on overall value and size of the piece.
At this time, we will be accepting 2D artwork, like paintings on canvas or hangable substrates, framed drawings and works on paper, or photographs for consideration.
Viewing art can have many benefits for people in addiction recovery, including:
Self-awareness: Art can help people develop self-awareness and explore their emotions.
Stress reduction: Art can help lower stress levels.
Social skills: Art can help people develop positive social skills.
Emotional management: Art can help people learn to identify and manage their emotions.
Relapse prevention: Art can help prevent relapse with regulation of emotions.
Emotional conflict resolution: Art can help people reconcile emotional conflicts.
Behavior management: Art can help people manage their behaviors.
Reality orientation: Art can help people improve their reality orientation.
Anxiety reduction: Art can help reduce anxiety.
Self-esteem: Art can help increase self-esteem.
Fear facing: Art can help people face their fears.
Guilt and blame: Art can help people face feelings of guilt and blame.
Inner critic: Art can help people understand their inner critic.
The Impact of public art
Research has found creating and engaging with art more generally can offer mental and physical health benefits. Public art projects can promote these public health benefits, particularly for residents involved in their creation or for those who can connect to their local community through installations close to their homes. [via urban institute.com]
