Artsclamation! Announces Virtual Format

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Artsclamation! is Virtual

Artsclamation!, the annual fine art sale that supports behavioral health care services at Peninsula, is going virtual! This important and popular fundraiser serves to increase awareness of mental health issues in East Tennessee. Since 2002, the annual art sale has raised almost $1 million to support critical programs and care for patients and families served by Peninsula, a division of Parkwest Medical Center.

Traditionally held as an in-person two-day event in late October, Artsclamation! 2020 will host a secure, online store at Artsclamation.mybigcommerce.com from Oct. 23 to Nov. 30 where shoppers can view and purchase art from the convenience of their smart phone, tablet or computer. More than 2,000 original works in oil, watercolor, acrylic, as well as jewelry, glasswork and sculpture are available from 46 professional artists and Peninsula client artists. Other items for sale include calendars, posters and prints featuring participating artists’ work.

The fine arts sale, in its online format, is extended through to Nov. 30, which will allow more time for patrons to browse and select special gifts for the holiday shopping season. Event staff will coordinate pick-up of artwork from the event’s climate-controlled warehouse and delivery to patrons, ensuring the artwork arrives in pristine condition. No-contact delivery options are also available.

Featured Artist Sarah Pollock

The 2020 Artsclamation! Featured Artist is oil painter Sarah Pollock, who creates landscapes and cityscapes that reflect her journey throughout the country. She is a former color stylist for Walt Disney Feature Animation and now works as a professional artist in East Tennessee. Pollock often paints outdoors to capture the many beautiful landscapes around her home. Pollock’s featured piece is called “Autumn Blaze,” portraying the Middle Prong of the Little River in the Great Smoky Mountains at the turn of fall. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this featured piece will go to Peninsula.

Supporting Mental Health

One in four people in East Tennessee suffers from a mental health illness. However, there is a significant gap in funding for programs to serve these individuals. Artsclamation! is Peninsula’s only fundraiser and helps to fill that gap. Proceeds in past years have funded garden courtyards for adult patients, vans for transporting clients in outpatient programs, play areas for hospitalized children, therapeutic games and activity supplies.

Elizabeth Clary, BSN, RN, MHA, vice president of behavioral health for Peninsula, noted how the community’s support of this year’s virtual art sale will help Peninsula meet a public health need which has become even more critical because of the impact of COVID-19.

“Peninsula relies heavily on proceeds from Artsclamation!,” she says. “We are committed to being good stewards of every dollar that is spent to provide care and treatment for those who need us. Funds from this event assist Peninsula with therapeutic spaces and activities for our patients that would otherwise not be available.”

Peninsula has helped thousands of people recover from disorders and dependencies to lead healthy, productive lives. For more information about the event and participating artists, visit PeninsulaBehavioralHealth.org/Artsclamation.