Transformation project
Exhibition | 2023, 2024
Arts Letters & Numbers
Averill Park, NY
Transformation Project is an initiative that promotes awareness, support, hope, and recovery in response to Substance Use Disorder and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
The project seeks to cultivate an environment of safety and inclusivity, encouraging individuals and their families affected by SUD to share their experiences through artistic expression. Through a regional open call, the project brought together a broad range of voices and creative expressions by visual artists, writers, musicians, and performers who showcases their works during the Transformation Project Show.
The project plays a crucial role in building supportive communities that transcend age, values, and beliefs. It provides a safe space for expression and sheds light on the hardships faced, along with the shame and stigma often felt by those affected by the disease of addiction. The collaboration between the organizations offers a unique opportunity to bridge communities, bringing together individuals and families affected by SUD and those who wish to be allies.
Tranformation Project Team
Frida Foberg | Curator
Ira Baumgarten | Community Advocate
Kim Favro | The Renss. County Mental Health - Student Assistance Program
Steve Lawrence | Arts Letters & Numbers
Kim Murdick | NØpiates Committee
Tim Murdick | NØpiates Committee
Brian Sheldon | Sand Lake Center for the Arts
2024
Artists
Addiction Care Center of Albany, Alan Opresko, Alejandro Sela, Alyssa Healey, Anthony Mills, Brent Benedetto, Brittney Wood, Celia Chaikowski, Debbie Malenfant, D. J. Michael, Euginia Tan, Farrell Pelcher, Frida Foberg, Hannah Tremblay, Holly Smith, Ira Baumgarten, Janae IRL, Jaxy Malenfant, Jesse LeMon, Joel Olzak, John Dillon, Judy Scarlata, Kate F., Kathy Pratt, Kim Murdick, Kristyn Logan, Laura Beerle, Leon Clowes, Leslie Berlinsky, Linda Bondi, Melissa Hunter, Mike & Debbie Malenfant, Molly Montee, Renato Brea, Ronit Levin Delgado, Rose Malenfant, Sophia Bushey, Stephanie Donato, Tacie Jones, Whitney Vangrin, Yuan Yuan and Zachary Austin.
The 2024 Transformation Project was made possible through donations from Doors of Hope and the Arts Thrive and Grow grant. Arts Thrive and Grow has been funded by New York State, Kathy Hochul, Governor. We thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins for her extraordinary commitment and leadership, and our elected officials who represent our grantmaking region: Senators Jake Ashby and Neil D. Breslin; Assemblymembers Scott H. Bendett, Patricia Fahy, John T. McDonald III, Angelo Santabarbara, Phil Steck, and Mary Beth Walsh.
“I’m so thankful to have been a part of this year's Transformation Project. Art has been a consistent coping tool for me throughout my grief journey and I felt positive about sharing it along with my story. Also, it was very moving to see other beautiful pieces of art along with fellow artists' stories about how they have been affected by substance abuse.”
- Exhibiting Artist
2023
Artists
Alan Opresko, Clem Dacier, Diane DeBlois, Eve Ariane Cullen, Gabriel Chalfin-Piney, Holli Boyd-White, Hyunjee Kim, Ira Baumgarten, Jada Ruiz, Janae Young, John Dillon, Judy Scarlata, Karen Brady, Kate F., Lesley Su, Mary Richmond, Mike Noble, Molly Montee, Nathalie (Tali) Saxton, Pamela Rawden, Papa Ousseynou Fall, Rose Malenfant, Ruohan Li, Ruth Martin, Sara Melita (Creative Action Unlimited), Stephanie Remmert (Creative Action Unlimited), Stephen Gambello, Steven Lawrence, Sydney Harwood, William Gent William Spillane (Creative Action Unlimited), and Zach Austin
The 2023 Transformation Project was made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Arts Center of the Capital Region. The project was also sponsored by Troy Savings Bank Foundation, Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, Callanan Industries, Doors of Hope and Tremont Ace Lumber and Hardware