Many thanks to the Media Factory and UVM Fleming Museum (left) and Kara Greenblott and Mary Olive Smith (right) for their hard work in putting together these amazing videos featuring members of Howard Center’s Arts Collective!
Arts Collective Exhibit
Artwork by Galen Knight
Artwork by Steve Tall
Our Mission:
The Arts Collective works collaboratively to ensure that there are opportunities for artists who have experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges to connect, create, and exhibit work. We strive to create a supportive, non-hierarchical community that fosters mutuality, creative expression, and empowerment.
The Collective values the transformative power of the creative process on a personal, social, and systemic level, and acknowledges that we are stronger when everyone has a voice.
What is the Arts Collective?
The Arts Collective is an alternative arts program that promotes wellness, self-esteem, and dignity by:
- creating a safe and nurturing space for artists to make art,
- exchange ideas and learn new techniques
- experience a supportive connection with other artists
- exhibit their artwork in public galleries & spaces
Who can participate?
Our community is open to adult artists who have lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges, via their own personal lived experience, experience with family members or friends, or through their work. Artists of all levels are welcome. Some members are established artists who have sold their work. Others have recently begun making art and value the knowledge and encouragement of more experienced artists.
What does the Arts Collective offer?
Please join us for any of these activities:
Open Studio
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Fridays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Pathways Vermont Community Center, 279 N Winooski Ave, Burlington. Open to all. Art supplies are available free of charge.
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Wednesdays, 1 – 3 p.m., Westview house, 50 South Willard Street, Burlington. Open to Howard Center clients receiving Community Support Program (CSP) services only. Art supplies are available free of charge.
Community Calls
The Arts Collective meets every Thursday afternoon (12:00-1:00 pm) on Zoom to exchange ideas, share recent artwork, plan future activities, and socialize.
Art Shows
- Three art shows per year at venues such as the Flynn Dog Gallery, the Amy Tarrant Gallery, the Burlington Record Plant, Union Station, the Fletcher Free Library, the SPACE Gallery, and the Metropolitan Gallery at Burlington City Hall.
- Ongoing exhibitions at 208 and 300 Flynn Avenue, Howard Center administrative offices.
Field Trips
The Arts Collective takes occasional trips to local galleries, artist studios, museums, and our own exhibitions. Previous visits include venues such as Burlington City Arts Gallery, Fleming Museum, Clark Russell Studio, Metropolitan Gallery of Art, and Middlebury College Museum of Art.
Recent Arts Collective Artist Talk Videos
Artist Talk with Susan Larkin
Artist Talk with Patty Hudak
Artist Talk with John Killacky
Artist Talk with Rob Mullen
Artist Talk with Hilary Glass
Artist Talk with Nikki Laxar
Artist Talk with Misoo Bang
Artist Talk with Beth Sightler
Artist Talk with Emily Anderson
Artist Talk with Rachel Lindsay
Recent Arts Collective Art Shows
Want more information?
Contact Artscollective@howardcenter.org with questions or to sign up for our mailing list and be notified of upcoming exhibitions, events, and other activities.