Fountain House Gallery – the premier venue in New York City representing artists living with mental illness – announces its 25th Anniversary Exhibition. The show is on view from September 4 through October 29. It is curated by Martha Henry of Martha Henry Inc. Fine Art, an appraisal and advisory firm based in New York City.

Said curator Henry, “In 1950, author and artist Henry Miller observed the state of the creative community with these haunting words: ‘We live in a void spanned by the most intricate and elaborate means of communication. Each one occupies a planet to himself, but the messages never get through.’ It was the age of ‘Mad Men,’ when mass media and the relentless drive for publicity began to stifle culture. Fast forward 75 years to our era of hyper-connectivity, and artists, particularly those living with mental illness, often find themselves lonelier than ever. While making art is inherently solitary, it flourishes within the shared experiences of a supportive creative community. For 25 years, Fountain House Gallery has been that vital source of connection, encouragement, and belonging for artists living with mental illness.”

Henry continued, “The 25th Anniversary Exhibition pays tribute to the Gallery’s enduring legacy. Featuring more than 100 works by 93 current and legacy artists, the show spans a wide range of themes, media, and styles – from portraits and landscapes to still life and abstraction. Whether formally trained or self-taught, each artist offers a deeply personal expression. Though their styles may differ, the artists are united in their courage to bare themselves through their art. Let us celebrate 25 years of Fountain House Gallery’s growth and its unwavering commitment to nurturing the creative visions and careers of its member-artists.”

The Gallery was established in 2000 by a group of determined Fountain House artists and staff. This 25th Anniversary Exhibition features work from the earliest contributors alongside artists newer to the gallery who have built upon that legacy. We are grateful to have grown from a handful of artists to now working with more than 150 artists - some of whom are from the original cohort!