The Boston Home's Annual Art Show Goes Virtual!
On Thursday, September 24, 2020 from 2-4 PM, resident artists at The Boston Home will celebrate the launch of a new Online Art Gallery showcasing their work. Watercolor class is one of the most popular of the many activities offered at The Boston Home, which is a residence for 96 adults with advanced neurological disorders, primarily multiple sclerosis. Resident artists create beautiful watercolor paintings using special brushes and tools designed by The Boston Home’s on-staff adaptive technologists. Typically, The Boston Home celebrates the program by welcoming family, friends and community members to an annual Art Show at their Dorchester campus. This year, however, COVID-19 prevention protocols forced residents and staff to think beyond the walls of residence.
“It’s exciting!,” said Margaret Marie, an artist and resident of The Boston Home, “I have talked about creating an online gallery for years, and now it’s happening!"
Online Art Gallery Allows Residents to Share and Sell Their Work
The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for individuals with disabilities who live in long-term care facilities. In order to prevent potential transmission of the virus, interaction with family and friends has been limited to phone and video chats, and, more recently, socially distanced outdoor visits. The quarantine has been frustrating for The Boston Home’s residents, who enjoy living active lives with as much independence as possible. The new Online Art Gallery empowers the artists to share their work with family, friends and art lovers without the limitations of physical access. The artists also look forward to selling their work online. Most residents of The Boston Home are covered by Medicaid (MassHealth), and are allowed to keep $72.80 per month as a personal needs allowance. Art sales are a wonderful way for residents to supplement their limited personal income, while also affirming their artistic endeavors.
Art, Jazz and Mocktails
The Boston Home’s Online Art Gallery will go live on the morning of Thursday, September 24, 2020, and will be shared via The Boston Home’s website, www.thebostonhome.org, and social media. That afternoon, The Boston Home artists, along with their fellow residents and staff, will celebrate the launch with a socially distanced outdoor garden reception, featuring a jazz performance by the Jeff Williams Trio as well as a signature “mocktail.”
All are invited to visit the Online Art Gallery to view and support the work of The Boston Home artists.
About The Boston Home Founded in 1881, The Boston Home serves adults with advanced Multiple Sclerosis and other progressive neurological disorders. Exceptional clinical care, compassion, and innovative programs have earned us the designation “Center for Excellence in Long-term Care” from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Boston Home is the only facility of its kind in New England and only one of a handful nationwide. The Boston Home touches the lives of thousands of people as we serve our residents, outpatients, and their families, and share our knowledge with healthcare professionals nationwide.
