Making a Scene at the recently opened Jean Simpson Studio

On June 30th, the fifth installment of the Being Scene Art Exhibition was revealed and the Jean Simpson Studio was officially launched. The annual art exhibition was opened with the help of the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, who provided opening remarks.

For over five years CAMH artists, who are also clients, have created works of art for the Being Scene Exhibition. This year's exhibition features 76 new works by 53 artists, and each year it is growing larger. Despite being extremely gifted, the lack of space and materials can create challenging circumstances for artists. But with the launch of the Jean Simpson Studio, eight artists now have a beautiful studio space in which to create. Named after Jean Simpson, the former Chief Operating Officer of CAMH, the studio gives CAMH artists the opportunity to embark on more ambitious works in a supportive, safe, artist-managed environment.

During the launch, the Jean Simpson Studio was open for tours where art-lovers had the opportunity to appreciate some of the stunning works-in progress that will eventually hang in Trinity-St. Paul Church during the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra's Concert series which kicks off Toronto's Metamorphosis Festival next Spring. Several artists, including Henry Benvenuti, CAMH's artist-in-residence, were readily available to give details about their work.

Being Scene is the annual exhibit of artwork produced by artists who have received services for addiction or mental health at CAMH and is produced by the Workman Theatre Project. Showing for a full year, the art exhibit is displayed at the Queen Street, Russell Street, and College Street sites.

For more information contact: Lisa Brown, Director, Workman Theatre Project