2004 is the tenth anniversary of HAI’s Saturday Art Studio. Led by professional artist Francis Palazzolo, the class is a day-long program for people with major mental illnesses. Participants make art and enjoy a collegial atmosphere in which they share their passion for artistic expression. Many participants also exhibit their work regularly in the gallery at HAI. With a roster of nearly 60 regular participants, the Studio presently has a waiting list for attendance.

Over the years, the program has grown in attendance and sophistication. Art Workshop Program Director Elizabeth Marks comments: “In the beginning, participants came to the Studio to learn basic drawing and painting techniques, even computer based office skills. Now they come for something slightly different - they’re looking for an outlet for self expression.

"Francis and I have observed increasing attendance and commitment by participants at the Studio. We have been told by consumers that there is now less art in their weekday programs and residences. We believe this is one reason why they are seeking us out.”

Peter Latona, a sculptor from Australia, recently visited the class. Latona has been traveling in the United States and Canada, searching out programs that relate to his activity in Canberra, where he teaches sculpture to adolescents in trouble with the law. Latona was amazed by the artistic energy of the participants in the HAI program. He said that in his travels he had found no program like HAI's.

Francis Palazzolo, who has led the Studio since inception says, "Offering disadvantaged individuals an art studio, supplies and dialogue at a high artistic level helps participants whose voices are traditionally excluded find dignity and respect, just the same as any other artistic voice in a gallery."

Adeyinka Perry has attended for over five years. He says, "The attitude at the art studio makes my ideas expressible. Even when I'm bottled up inside, coming to HAI helps because they cater to my artistic needs. Most of all, I feel safe in releasing my emotions and my stories at the HAI studio." Perry, as he calls himself, has sold numerous paintings that explore the roots of African Americans in the Caribbean and Africa.

Eloise Ockert, who has attended for the full ten years of the studio's existence, says "What a place for socialization! It's different than other institutional programs."

Stacy James, a newer member, says, "HAI is an avenue to express myself, more so than other programs. It is also a place for those who are looking to pursue their artistic goals and dreams."

While many members are comfortable with revealing their identities, the stigma associated with mental illness is very real for many. For example, Al chooses to reveal only his first name. He says, "This art class helps me exercise my mind, flourish my thinking. The staff at the art studio makes anything seem possible in artwork, right down to the very detail."

Iris Johnson is also a long-standing participant. She says, "The studio is so inspirational. In all my years of dealing with institutions, none has given me the experience like HAI."

Inquires regarding the HAI Saturday Art Studio should be directed to Elizabeth Marks at 212-575-7696 or emarks@hospaud.org.