On Wednesday, July 2nd RXR Realty and FREE (Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.) commemorated the renowned fine art collection of FREE students at the RXR Realty building located at 1000 Woodbury road, in Woodbury. In an act of pure generosity and compassion, RXR Realty commissioned for permanent display the artwork by individuals with differing-abilities.
In addition to principals from RXR and Free, in attendance were Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and NYS Assemblyman Chuck Lavine (D-Glen Cove) to applaud this phenomenal event. “I am speechless over the compassion of RXR and the outstanding abilities of the individuals who participated.” Ed Regensburg, Director of Art Therapy for FREE commented, “It has long been known that there is a connection between creativity and feeling well and there has always been a special place in history for those souls who could express beauty and bring it into our world. When the artistic process is facilitated through the eyes and hands of a professional Art Psychotherapist, new found energy and functional skills are not only harnessed but actually intensely focused.”
FREE was founded in 1977, headquartered in Old Bethpage, and supports more than 3500 individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. Its’ mission is to help individuals of all abilities realize their full potential. “I applaud RXR for this wonderful event and urge residents to stop by to view the artwork which is located in the lower level of the building. It truly will enrich your day,” stated Jacobs.
Pictured from left to right: Robert S. Budd (CEO of FREE), Anita Dowd-Newfield, Susan Sorrentino (FREE), Assemblyman Charles Lavine, Legislator Judy Jacobs, Ed Rosenberg (Director of Art Therapy, FREE), and Kenneth Bauer (Executive VP of RXR Realty)