Duchamp. Monet. Degas. Magee?
The Philadelphia Museum of Art has long been home to some of the world’s most prestigious artists. And for the second year, those famous masters find themselves in good company – with the participants of Magee’s Art Therapy Program.
Yes, you read that right – from now through September 22, paintings, drawings and other works of art from Magee’s art therapy participants are hanging on the same walls as Ellsworth Kelly and Henri Matisse. Their artwork is included as part of the Community Partnerships Exhibit, housed in the Museum’s Education Corridor and free to the public.
As cool as this is (and I think we can all agree being featured in same building as Picasso is pretty cool), this exhibit is not the only connection Magee has to the Museum. The Art Therapy Program at Magee works closely with the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Division of Education and Public Programs. Through this partnership, the Museum offers programs and educational opportunities for our patients, including tours, lectures and a whole lot of artistic inspiration.
At this point you may be asking, “What is art therapy, exactly? How does it help?” Patients that have incurred life-altering injuries require long-term physical and emotional rehabilitation, and art therapy helps them cope with this process and is often regarded as a crucial part of their recovery. Art therapy has also been shown to help people increase self-esteem, resolve conflicts, reduce stress, inspire self-discovery and achieve insight. Awesome, right?
You can help raise awareness and support for Magee’s Art Therapy Program by joining us at a wine and cheese reception at the Museum to celebrate our artists. The event is on Wednesday, September 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tickets start at $75. Click here to learn more.
In the coming weeks, we’ll tell you a little more about the artists from Magee featured in this exhibition. In the meantime, be sure to check out the Community Partnerships Exhibit in the Education Corridor at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Let us know what you think!
