Jeffrey M. Sparr Donates Artwork, Establishes Art Classes at Butler Hospital
Local Entrepreneur, Artist and Peace Love Studio Founder
Jeffrey M. Sparr Donates Artwork, Establishes
Art Classes at Butler Hospital
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Butler Patient Seeks to Give Back to Hospital
Helping Him with His Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
PROVIDENCE, RI (Wednesday, November 19, 2008) – Butler Hospital announced today the donation of artwork from local artist and patient Jeffrey M. Sparr. The artwork was unveiled at a press conference where Sparr’s involvement in brining art classes to the hospital was also announced.
Sparr donated a collection of original paintings that will decorate spaces in which he has received treatment over the years during his own battle and recovery with OCD. The collection includes works from his popular “Mind” and “Peace Love” series and will include the quadruplet titled “Getting Better” as well as “The Peace Man” which he painted live at a press conference today.
“Jeff’s accomplishments serve as a symbol of hope to all of our patients struggling with mental illness,” said Patricia Ryan Recupero, JD, MD, President and CEO of Butler Hospital. “We thank him for his ongoing support of Butler Hospital and know his artwork will inspire all who see it,” added Dr. Recupero.
“I turned to painting as an outlet from my daily struggle with OCD,” said Sparr. “I soon discovered that when I paint, my symptoms are minimized and I’m able to gain a sense of relief from the illness. Painting provides me a creative outlet and a sense of control that helps me find peace of mind. Having my artwork hang on the walls at Butler for all patients to see will hopefully inspire them to find their own outlet to help them cope with what ever challenges they are facing,” added Sparr.
Sparr has also begun to develop art classes at Butler where he hopes to initiate an interactive painting curriculum that can then be exported and adopted in all types of settings – hospitals, schools, etc.
“Through the art classes, I hope that I can help other patients find a creative release like I have done through painting,” said Sparr. “I have experienced first hand how therapeutic painting can be, and I hope others will benefit from it as well.”
Sparr will be showcasing his artwork at an exhibit at Conley’s Wharf tomorrow night (November 20) starting at 6 p.m. Billed as “An Evening of Art, Fashion & Fun”, the Interactive Show will Include Displays by Goka Design and Marc Allen Clothiers
About Jeffry M. Sparr
Jeff Sparr is a father, husband, entrepreneur, and successful artist. He also has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). When Jeff paints he displays few symptoms of his OCD, which otherwise are constantly with him. Painting provides him a creative outlet and helps give him a sense of control. Through his art, Jeff finds a release from the mental strain of his disease. To put it simply, Jeff found peace through painting.
What began as a release from the challenge of living with OCD has created an unexpected passion as an artist. Jeff’s unconventional style, combined with interesting subject matter, brilliant colors and keen sense of movement have gained him local and national recognition.
About Butler Hospital
Founded in 1844, Butler Hospital is Rhode Island’s only private, nonprofit psychiatric and substance abuse hospital for adults, adolescents, children, and seniors. Butler is affiliated with The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and is the flagship for its department of psychiatry which has been recognized by its peers as one of the top ten in the United States. Recognized as a national leader in the development of acute, short-term psychiatric and substance abuse treatment, Butler has a reputation for providing the best care available to patients. The hospital is involved in a variety of research efforts which has earned it a national reputation as a major teaching and research facility.
