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2020 Artsclamation Fine Art Sale To Be Held Virtually
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Knoxville Artsclamation!, the annual fine art sale that supports behavioral health care services at Peninsula, is going virtual! This important fundraiser, which also serves to increase awareness of mental health issues in East Tennessee, has raised almost $1 million since its beginning in 2002 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.bigcommerce.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.

Additionally, in its online format, the fine art sale 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 pickup 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.

“This decision to go virtual was made out of an abundance of caution to protect the health and safety of our artists, donors and community during this challenging time,” said Patrick Birmingham, Covenant Health’s vice president of philanthropy and government relations. “We have designed a plan that still allows art patrons to experience the uniqueness of Artsclamation!, while remaining safe from close indoor contact.”

FEATURED ARTIST SARAH POLLOCK
Sarah Pollock uses oil paints to create 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. Sarah paints in oils, often working outdoors, to capture the many beautiful landscapes around her home. Pollock’s featured piece for Artsclamation! 2020 is titled “Autumn Blaze” and portrays the Middle Prong of the Little River in the Great Smoky Mountains at the turn of fall. All proceeds from the sale of this featured piece will go directly to Peninsula.

SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH
One in four people in East Tennessee suffer from a mental health illness. However, there is a significant gap in funding for programs to serve these individuals compared to other diseases and diagnoses. Artsclamation! is Peninsula’s only fundraiser and helps to fill some of the gaps left in those funding sources. 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 because of the impact of COVID-19, has become even more critical.

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

ABOUT PENINSULA
Peninsula has helped thousands of people recover from disorders and dependencies to lead healthy, productive lives. Peninsula provides inpatient and outpatient services for children, adolescents and adults in Knox and nearby counties, including individual and group therapy, specialized programs and peer support groups. Behavioral care is also provided at Parkwest Medical Center for senior adults with co-existing psychiatric and medical conditions. Peninsula is the region’s most comprehensive provider of mental health services; its outpatient centers serve more than 15,000 people annually, while the inpatient hospital treats more than 5,000 patients per year.www.peninsulabehavioralhealth.org/artsclamation.