Article Text
More than 40 works created by local residents facing mental health challenges filled the Fairfax County Government Center in July, demonstrating how art can provide an outlet for emotion, pride and healing.
The 12th annual “Summer of the Arts” exhibition featured watercolors, pastels, poetry, 3D models and other creations by people receiving services from Pathway Homes. The Fairfax City-based nonprofit provides housing and support to individuals with mental illnesses and co-occurring disabilities.
Most pieces were priced from $15 to $75, with all proceeds going directly to the artists.
“Art is so healing. The opportunity to process our emotions is a powerful healing tool,” Pathway Homes President and CEO Sylisa Lambert-Woodard said during a July 16 reception honoring the artists.
Participation has grown since the exhibition began more than a decade ago, she said, as residents have become increasingly inspired and proud to share their work.
One returning artist was Fort Belvoir resident Marti Kelly, who creates an intricate afghan each year for the exhibition. She learned the craft from her grandmother while growing up in Pittsburgh and has continued crocheting since she was 13.
“I’m 65 now and haven’t stopped yet,” Kelly said.
Her 2025 afghan, large enough for a full-size bed, took approximately two months to make and was listed for $175. Kelly also produces scarves and towel-toppers and keeps enough colorful yarn at home to move quickly from one project to another.
“It’s fun. I love it,” she said. “It helps relieve my stress.”
Arthritis in her thumbs has caused only a minor slowdown. A broken wrist once forced her to stop crocheting for six weeks, a period she described as among the most miserable of her life.
A work that was displayed but not offered for sale carried special significance. “Lion Pride,” an acrylic painting by Karen Free, serves as the centerpiece of the exhibition each year.
Free, a Pathway Homes resident who experienced vision, mobility and other health problems later in life, died in 2011. Her hopeful outlook inspired other residents and helped spur the creation of the annual art show.
Following her death, Free’s family established the Karen Free Art and Recreation Recovery Fund to help Pathway Homes residents experience and participate in the arts.
The exhibition moved to the Fairfax County Government Center about four years ago after previously appearing at locations in Vienna, McLean and Reston. The 2025 show remained in the center’s south atrium through July 31 and was open during weekday business hours. Works could also be viewed and purchased online.