Your Town-Celebration Of Life By Kathleen Giordano

The Fountain Gallery held their Fourth Annual "Celebration of Life" event at the well-known Cipriani?s of 42nd Street in New York City, on Thursday, September 8, 2005. More than 800 guests assembled to not only hear The Honorable Rudolph W. Giuliani, the 107th Mayor of the City of New York deliver the keynote address, but to see and have the opportunity to purchased more than 200 unique, imaginative and original works of art including oil and acrylic paintings, black and white and digital photographs and mixed media work.Edward V. Piccinich, Executive Vice President Director of Property Management and Construction of SL Green Realty Corp. was honored for his outstanding service to the Gallery. Ed was joined on stage with co-founders of the event, Dario Gristina and Gerard Schumm, The Honorable Rudolph Giuliani, and Gallery artist Gail Shamchenko. Ms. Shamchenko gave a moving and tearful account of her own personal experiences with mental illness, and acknowledged that she owed her newfound success and zest for life to Fountain House and Fountain Gallery.Fountain Gallery is a not-for profit cooperative representing artists living, suffering and working with major mental illness. Since its inception in the summer of 2000, the Gallery has grown to include 40 artists. The gallery is supported by a small professional staff and many devoted volunteers. All Fountain Gallery artists are members of Fountain House. Fountain House is an innovative international organization, which has assisted people with mental illness with their housing, employment, education and recreation need for nearly 60 years."Mayor Giuliani has been a generous supporter of Fountain Gallery and Fountain House, and we are honored that he is speaking for us at this very special event, said Jason Bowman, Coordinating Director of Fountain Gallery. "Our mission is to challenge the stigma that surrounds mental illness, and displaying so many original works in such a magnificent settling is an excellent way of advancing that goal."Remember mental illness is a menacing disease. It not only robs, destroys and distorts someone?s outlook on life, but the unpredictable behavior disrupts a persons thinking and can cost someone their job, their home and their relationships with friends and family. For more information on Fountain Gallery please visit: http://www.fountaingallerynyc.com/