• About Us
• Advanced Philosophy of Care
• Mission, Values and Service
• Our Commitment to Safety
• Our History
• Senior Leadership Team
• Devereux Board of Trustees
• Annual Reports
• Devereux in the News
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Recognizing Our Employees
• Celebrating Our Devereux Families
• Sharing Messages of Hope

Devereux Massachusetts/Rhode Island students shine in local art contest

Artist Henri Matisse once said, “Creativity takes courage.”

Students at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Massachusetts and Rhode Island are courageously expressing their hopes, fears and dreams through art – and earning accolades along the way.

Last fall, under the guidance of Lydia Gruner, an art teacher at Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island, students submitted their artwork into the Children’s League of Massachusetts’ (CLM) annual art contest. Earlier this year, Gruner was notified that three of her students won the competition.

“Our students were thrilled to have their artwork recognized in this way, and were extremely proud of themselves and what they accomplished,” said Gruner. “The process of creating art is therapeutic, and it helps our students – many of whom have faced significant trauma in their young lives – gain the confidence they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.”

Devereux Massachusetts/Rhode Island Executive Director Kerry Ann Goldsmith agreed, saying, “Art provides a creative and positive outlet for our youth to express themselves. While it is always exciting to win a contest, in the end, winning is not what matters. What truly matters is that our students find their voice through art.”

About the art contest

Every year, CLM, a Boston-based social services organization, welcomes artists of all skill levels from its member organizations to submit artwork for its art contest. Winners are selected based on votes from the public. This year’s contest categories revolved around the themes: “Healing,” “Holiday,” “Social Justice” and “Thank You.”

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island students Denise, Bryce and Michael placed as follows:

• Denise won second place in the “Thank You” category for her painting of a tree with the words, “Always Be Thankful.”
• Bryce won third place in the “Healing” category for his painting of a puppy; and
• Michael tied for third place in the “Social Justice” category for his depiction of a planet.

View all of the art contest winners.  

“Our students created some beautiful and amazing artwork! I want to thank our staff and supporters for rallying behind our youth and taking the time to cast their votes,” Gruner shared. “This contest is a celebration of the healing power of art, and our students learned they can accomplish great things with commitment and creativity.”

Learn about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

Latest News

		Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes: Spotlight on Devereux Arizona Clinician Arnette Miller At Devereux, our employees are at the heart of everything we do – and are key to our success. Learn how Devereux Arizona Clinician Arnette Miller is serving and inspiring others every day.
		Season 2, Episode 6: ‘Not Your Average School Psychologist’ podcast Listen to the latest episode of the Devereux Center for Effective Schools’ podcast featuring Amanda Nickerson Ph.D., NCSP, who shares her work informing the National Association of School Psychologists PREPaRE model, which provides training to school crisis response teams. Dr. Nickerson is a professor and director of the Dr. Jean M. Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music/Audible.
		Servant Leadership Snapshot: Devereux New York Program Manager Denis Oswe Devereux New York Program Manager Denis Oswe leads by example, treats everyone with respect and demonstrates empathy with the individuals he serves, as well as his colleagues. Learn how he is motivating and inspiring all those around him.
		Devereux MA/RI gala raises $225,000 to benefit youth, adults with disabilities More than 200 guests gathered at the historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts, for Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s annual gala to raise critical funds for children, adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
		Faces of ASCEND: Meet Devereux TCV Outpatient Therapist Jamaca Chavis Thanks to ASCEND, Devereux TCV Community Services Outpatient Therapist Jamaca Chavis is taking college classes to become a licensed professional counselor.

More Stories