Some Interesting Statistics

Here are some interesting yearly statistics from our local Salvation Army:

* 1948 Households provided with food and clothing vouchers

* 18,386 breakfasts served

* 3525 people getting assistance for Christmas

* 2036 kids receiving Christmas toys

* 900 households receiving Christmas meal vouchers

* 594 households enrolled in Low Income Self Help Program

* 1107 households recertified to continue receiving LISHP help

* 1454 Food orders distributed

This is just services in Harrisburg. Please help us help the Salvation Army by attending the opening of "Sweet Salvation 100 for $100" a silent art benefit with a $10,000.00 goal of new funds for the Salvation Army.

The auction opens on February 12 from 7-9 PM at Gallery Blu.

check our website at www.galleryblu.org

Another Piece to the Puzzle

In one of my early blogs I posed the question "What is Art". After hosting The Magnificent Minds Project, a showcase of the immense ingenuity and artistic abilities of individuals who have mental illness, I now have another answer to this question. In reading some of the biographies of the artists I was certainly humbled that I could show their work in the gallery. One comment from an artist, "I'm in permanent winter, can't remember spring: Trying to tie two ends together of an invisible string..." Another artist commented "This is the first time I've painted a picture - now I know I can teach myself" Another artist wrote, "I don't always make the right decisions even if I know the danger is there..... I've had to rise from the ruins so many times. Art therapy is a bridge and a haven". And another, "For years and years I ran from the ridiculous, the fear of recognizing and dealing with my mental illness......... that is why awareness and exposure of mental illness is so very important..............I encourage others to stop running from the ridiculous and love yourself today".

These are all such powerful words and thoughts. I will close with one more artist's writing, "The opposite of a lie is not only the truth. It is also an honest balance between the spectrum you can see, and the one you can't".

The Magnificent Minds Project

Gallery Blu, in partnership with Syngred Briddell, present The Magnificent Minds Project, a celebration of the immense creativity, ingenuity and riveting expressions that exists within artists who have mental illness.

The opening reception is January 9 from 2-4 PM. 100% of all art sales will benefit the artist.

$1,200 Raised for Cathedral School

The generosity of art buying community members in Harrisburg helped Gallery Blu raise $1,200 for the Consolidated Cathedral School in Harrisburg. Our sincere thanks to art teacher, Susan Bircher for helping curate a show of student art. Also I want to thank the students who worked hard creating their art in order to help their school. And of course Jay Risser and Candice Wanner and cathedral chorus students who provided the afternoon musical entertainment.

It's All About Community

In past blogs I have written about neighborhood and community and how the gallery's long term vision is one of neighborhood involvement.

Recently I was asked if the gallery would host a holiday get together for the Engleton neighborhood group. It turned out to be a wonderful evening with about 35 to 40 neighborhood residents bringing food, spirits and companionship to the gallery. We talked, ate, joked and even aired local political news in an atmosphere that sparkled with joie de vivre. This is community in action and is a perfect example of how a few people with a great idea can spread joy and happiness to many. Engleton area residents have shown that community is alive and well in Midtown Harrisburg.

Cathedral Benefit

The Cathedral School benefit held on December 13 was a huge success. Pictured here is art instructor, Susan Bircher with First Grade student, Josie Bianchi. Art from students in grades one through eight was displayed and a few pieces are still available. The remaining art will be on exhibit through Christmas. The goal of Gallery Blu is to raise $1,000.00 for the Cathedral School and we are well on our way with $700.00 raised to date.

Cathedral School Benefit Show

Gallery Blu will be hosting a student art show to benefit the Consolidated Cathedral School of Harrisburg.
The benefit is being held Sunday December 13 from 2 - 4 PM. Music will be provided by Jay Risser and Cathedral School students.
All proceeds from the sale of student art will benefit the Consolidated Cathedral School. In addition 15% of the sale of non-student art will be given to the school from sales made on that day.
Join us for fun and good cheer.