A Sense of Place at Real Eyes Gallery
Benefit for Louison House
By: NAC - May 02, 2022
“A Sense of Place” is a joint effort of North Adams Contemporary (NAC) and Real Eyes Gallery. NAC is an evolving collaboration of four artists, Debi Pendell, Diane Sawyer, Sarah Sutro, and Betty Vera, who meet regularly for discussion, critique, the development of opportunities for exhibiting our artwork, and developing ideas for working with our wider community of Berkshire County. Gallery owners Bill and Francie Riley have generously offered their gallery for this benefit exhibition.
Real Eyes Gallery is located at 71 Park St in Adams MA. The exhibit will run June 3-30, with an opening reception on Saturday, June 4, from 5 – 7 p.m. All are welcome. Gallery hours: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 12 – 7 and by appointment.
In the last few years many people the world over have faced challenges to their sense of place due to many converging factors: political conflict and isolation, illness, and loss due to the worldwide pandemic. Loss of jobs and income has been widespread, and there has been a striking increase in homelessness. Along with the loss of one’s home many have also experienced the loss of a sense of security and belonging.
We are a small group of artists working together as North Adams Contemporary. Concerned about the challenges and losses faced by so many, we are hosting a benefit art exhibition to raise money to help those in need. We are focusing on our immediate community by supporting Louison House, a resource for people in Northern Berkshire County who are struggling with housing issues.
Louison House is a private, 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 1990 by local agencies to address issues of homelessness and housing insecurity. The Transitional Housing Program provides congregate living shelters which can house both families and individuals for up to two years but aims to get people out to affordable housing as soon as possible. The Louison House also offers a Permanent Supportive Housing Program for families and individuals that fit the Federal HUD standards for Chronic Homelessness. People in this program can stay in their unit for as long as is needed to ensure their later housing success. In both programs a range of supportive services are offered, including case management, budget/financial counseling, education/career planning, job/housing search assistance and life-skills training.
Louison House will receive 50% of all artwork sales and the goal is to raise at least $10,000. In addition to artwork sales, NAC and Real Eyes Gallery welcome donations from businesses and private donors and their support will go directly to Louison House.