Personal Visions Gallery Brings Unique Art Experience to Montgomery County

Unique perspectives and experiences often influence extraordinary art. Internationally renowned artist Phillip Ratner points out that the end of Vincent van Gogh’s career, “when he was doing his greatest works, was his sickest mentally”.  Stunning art can be created by artists who live, work, and prosper from their own visionary perspectives.  To this end, The Dennis and Phillip Ratner Museum, has dedicated their main museum space to these gifted artists.  Participants for this exhibit will come from a vast array of backgrounds, creating from non-traditional settings. 

The only gallery of its kind in Montgomery County, Personal Visions will provide a permanent space where artists living with disabilities will display and sell their work.  “We have moved into doing something that is noble.” says Ratner of this new endeavor.  The gallery will feature original art by consumers of mental health services across the state of Maryland and will be run and maintained by artists from Cornerstone Montgomery’s Studio In-Sight.  A featured artist shared how programs such as Studio In-Sight support her recovery goals by giving artists “the opportunity and space to create art in a safe place and be surrounded, supported and influenced by other artists”. 

The Dennis and Phillip Ratner Museum is funded entirely through the Ratner family foundation and was founded by the cousins as a gift to the community where they grew up and raised their families.  After 13 years of rotating the works of over 100 professional artists, the museum will now highlight the work of this community of artists exclusively.

An exclusive preview of the new space is scheduled for September 17, 2013 from 5:30 – 8pm and will feature original art by Studio-Insight artists for viewing and sale.  Tickets are $25.00 and will include an arts-centric silent auction, raffle and refreshments as well as other exciting donor opportunities.