Attention shoppers: despite complaints that downtown is turning into a stereotypical shopping mall, Westfield will soon be the home of a store that’s shaking things up. Gallery U Boutique, a funky art gallery and boutique, will replace what was once Clyne & Murphy.
By shopping and supporting at this unique boutique, they will “[help to provide] people with traumatic brain injuries a place to work on a daily basis in order to generate an income, build their self esteem and participate in vocational training,” according to gallery-u.blogspot.com.
According Ms. Lisa Lasso, who runs the Gallery U program, the gallery is not going to be a typical store or art gallery. “The studio will host special events every Thursday… [including] poetry readings and bands,” Lasso said.
Art Teacher Mr. Roy Chambers says that he’s seen the therapeutic powers of art firsthand in the classroom. Said Chambers, “There are so many ways art therapy can be used to help deal with traumatic incidents in [people’s lives].”
“It’s a way of relieving stress. If you’re having a bad day, any creative thing is going to help you feel a little better…. It’s important for the community to have that outlet,” added Chambers.
Said Senior Samantha Gruskin: “It’s a place unique to Westfield. We have so many froyo places and so many banks but not art…. It’s a great way to raise awareness of an issue that isn’t well known in our community. It’s not something we think about until it’s brought to our attention.”
Lasso said up-and-coming artists in the Westfield community are invited to display their artwork in the gallery; according to gallery-u.blogspot.com, profits will be split 50/50 with the artist.