Montserrat’s Art Connection Reception at River House
On Thursday, Sept. 27, the Montserrat Community and Beverly community joined together at the River House Shelter for a reception to showcase the original works of art now on permanent display at the Beverly area’s shelter for homeless men located at 56 River Street.
Montserrat’s Art Connection donated 19 pieces of art to help inspire the men of River House as they strive to return to lives of self-sufficiency.
River House has recently reopened its doors this October, with a renewed focus on helping guests find jobs, health care and permanent homes.
In photo: River House’s Director Kate Benashski addresses the guests during the reception; left: Asst. Curator of Education, Maggie Cavallo, right: Montserrat President Steve Immerman
Cavallo has helped in such a big way to make this collaboration possible ever since the early stages of selecting artwork for the River House. She had met with River House Director Kate Benashki, Coordinator of Grants & Fundraising of North Shore Community Action Programs, Kim Lundgren, Montserrat Trustee John Archer, as well as several River House residents to select the 19 pieces of art that are now on display at the home.
In photo: Montserrat’s Exhibitions Manager Lucas Spivey, River House’s Director Kate Benashski and Maggie Cavallo
In photo: Lucas Spivey installing work at River House. Montserrat’s Art Connection collected drawings and paintings from the Montserrat community, like “Tiger” (shown here) by alumnus Anthony Palocci ’09 and gave the space a brand new look.
Montserrat’s Art Connection Program provides art to area non-profit organizations on the North Shore. The program’s initial launch was in the cafeteria at the Beverly Hospital back in October, 2011. Art Connection facilitates increased access to and more meaningful experiences with original works of art, all of which is donated by area artists. By placing works in community and public service organizations on the North Shore, Montserrat’s Art Connection aims to enhance the number and quality of art experiences with our immediate community. The original Art Connection in Boston, conceived by artist Fay Chandler in 1995, has donated more than 4,900 works of art to more than 300 non-profit agencies.
Artists or collectors interested in donating work should contact Maggie Cavallo at [email protected]