FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Artists Touched by Addiction, An Impactful Collaboration Announced by Juniper Rag and Spectrum Health Systems

Worcester, MA – [February 25, 2025] – In a visionary initiative recognizing the healing power of art, Spectrum Health Systems and Juniper Rag are proud to announce an impactful partnership for "Artists Touched by Addiction”. This collection is sending ripples of positivity through the local community. A vibrant and colorful grouping of art with poignant artist statements will enliven Spectrum’s new state-of-the-art treatment facility at 1023 Main Street, Worcester. This partnership underscores Spectrum Health System’s commitment to fostering recovery, well-being, and marked contribution to the community. Juniper Rag was selected for advisory, curatorial, and installation services to bring this initiative to life. Curated artists included in the acquisition: Ella Delyanis, Nancy Wright, Rosemary Mamakos, Howard Johnson, Sasha Knittel, Patti Kelly, Linda Cordner, Theresa Hersman, Denise Lafer, Kathryn Shagas, Patricia Busso, Piya Samant, and Michelle May.

Founded in 1969, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals impacted by addiction and/or mental health disorders. Spectrum has acquired 20 pieces of artwork from local artists that embody positivity, resilience, transformation, and hope—key themes that align with its mission to support individuals in recovery. The visionary directives by Lisa Blanchard, Heidi DiRoberto, and Alexa Burnham and their unwavering commitment to supporting as many artists as possible were laudable.

Howard B. Johnson, Jr.

Kathryn Shagas

Denise Lafer

Theresa Hersman

Sasha Knittel

Theresa Hersman

Denise Lafer

Nancy Wright

The Spectrum acquisition provides much more than beautiful artwork, but validates the importance of art in a healing space and celebrates a shared common bond between the artists, their stories and their mission. This project gives an expected exposure and patronage to artists and has undeniably created an overwhelming power of collective spirit. This byproduct will inspire and elevate the atmosphere and environment within Spectrum’s facilities for years to come, fostering a space for healing and reflection for clients, visitors and employees. Artists have contributed meaningful and vulnerable personal stories about their experiences that provide further celebration and connections. One artist’s response to receiving the acceptance news was, “After receiving your email yesterday, I was overcome with emotion and cried tears of joy. I don't usually cry when I receive art news, but this was different. The depth of the emotions I was feeling were rooted in memories of three loved ones who departed this existence while burdened with addiction. If one person feels positive emotions when looking at my work when it is on the walls of Spectrum’s treatment center, my efforts will be rewarded. I feel grateful and honored to be chosen by Spectrum.”

Juniper Rag, co-founded by Michelle May and Payal Thiffault, is a community-driven arts platform with a reputation for championing significant contemporary artists and fostering innovative collaborations that enrich communities. Juniper Rag works with creative institutions such as Mechanics Hall, New Art Center Newton, ARCK Boston, Boston City Hall Mayor’s Gallery, and recently, ART Newport jurying their inaugural 2-day art fair. Juniper Rag brings a wealth of experience in curating and amplifying artistic voices that challenge and inspire.

“By far, this project has been very meaningful and we are grateful to Spectrum for envisioning what this collection could accomplish. It was not a typical call-for-art in any way. Every step was indicative of the transformative power of art that we know first-hand as artists ourselves, but this project demonstrated the immediate empowerment of collective energy. Developing this collection for Spectrum Health Systems marks a pivotal moment in recognizing art as an critical tool for healing, and we are seeing the ripple effects and outpouring from artists in ways we only could have imagined,” said Michelle May. “By supporting artists that have been touched by addiction in some way, many as children, as witnesses, or as parents--we are not only honoring their creative journeys but also fostering a dialogue about resilience and hope with all who encounter conversations about this project. We applaud Spectrum for being visionary leaders in this space and being the driving force behind this collective experience. We strongly encourage awareness and to learn more about this collection and the artists, who shared so much of themselves.”

Artists Touched by Addiction further highlights the role of accessible art as a generator of social and economic impact, reinforcing Spectrum, Juniper Rag and our local art community as catalysts to foster a supportive and inclusive community ecosystem that includes the arts. The collection will be showcased in Spectrum’s facilities with a reception to be announced reinforcing art’s capacity to heal, connect, and inspire while bringing the community together. The community will be invited to this free event to view the artwork.