Self-expression on display: See ServiceNet members’ artwork at Greenfield Public Library

A collage of artwork that will be featured in ServiceNet’s upcoming exhibit at the Greenfield Public Library, April 27 through the end of May.

A collage of artwork that will be featured in ServiceNet’s upcoming exhibit at the Greenfield Public Library, April 27 through the end of May. CONTRIBUTED

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

Staff Writer

Published: 04-26-2024 12:17 PM

Modified: 04-29-2024 10:29 AM


Mental health and human services provider ServiceNet will host a display of its members’ artwork at the Greenfield Public Library from Saturday, April 27, until the end of May.

The nonprofit’s exhibit will display a collection of paintings, photography, illustrations and other visual art media created by more than 20 ServiceNet members. Its April 27 opening will precede a public reception on Wednesday, May 1, from 4 to 7 p.m.

“Greenfield Public Library is pleased to launch its local artist exhibition program with this inaugural show,” Greenfield Public Library Director Anna Bognolo said in a written statement. “We are delighted that the ServiceNet artists will be able to share their work with our community, and we hope that the show encourages other local artists to submit their own exhibition request to the library.”

Each year, ServiceNet provides services for more than 8,000 western Mass residents living with a number of challenges such as mental health problems, developmental delay or disability, brain injury, homelessness, or addiction.

ServiceNet put on its inaugural art show in Northampton in October to launch its campaign for mental health and well-being.

Since the fall, the exhibit has traveled throughout western Mass. Vice President of Community Relations Amy Timmins said the exhibit has grown significantly since its inception as more members express interest in sharing their art.

“The response from people in ServiceNet who were asked if they’d like to show their work was so incredibly positive that more people have come on board since the first show in October wanting to show their work,” Timmins said. “We all like to be seen and have our work appreciated, and this has been a tremendous opportunity to make that happen.”

Timmons said for most participating artists, the process of working both collaboratively and individually to create and display art served as a therapeutic form of self-expression.

“Having an avenue where we can express ourselves and find joy in that expression is important to all of us,” she said. “When we talk about mental health and well-being, we’re talking as much about how do we feel not just okay, but really good about who we are and what we’re doing. For people who express through visual arts, having an opportunity to make art and then to show art is certainly part of that mental health and well-being.”

Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at acammalleri@recorder.com or 413-930-4429.