For Maurice Hansen, creating works of art is more than just an enjoyable activity. It is, he says, "my way of expressing feelings."
A distinct mixture of vibrant colors and philosophical themes, Mr. Hansen's paintings cover a wide variety of subjects, including landscapes and winterscapes, childhood memories of Coney Island, his pet cats, and Biblical narratives. "If I didn't paint, I think it would make life boring," he says.
Mr. Hansen's art currently is being displayed, alongside the works of 12 other artists who share his sentiment, in an exhibit at the Connecticut Mental Health Center CMHC , 34 Park St. Titled "From the Inside Out, Thirteen Very Special Visions," the display can be seen through the end of June.
"The exhibit consists of a lively selection of works by 13 members of Very Special Arts Connecticut VSA ," says Rosemary Cronin, exhibit curator and executive director of VSA cosponsor of the exhibit along with CMHC . "While not united by style, theme or medium, these artists share a common reliance on art-making as a central part of their lives, a necessary ingredient for self-expression and communication."
In addition to Mr. Hansen -- whose work has been shown in several "outsider" art shows in New York and New Haven as well as in other exhibits -- the artists represented in the CMHC display include Charles Eklund, a Special Olympics participant sailing division , whose art reflects his love of the sea and its creatures; Christopher Platt, an autistic savant known for his pen-and-ink drawings of animals, sailboats, jewelry and other subjects; Kerri Quirk, autistic, deaf and mute, who views art as both an expressive language and an essential communicative tool; and James Shanahan, a recreation therapist who began painting his nightmares to ease the pain of his war experiences -- and credits art for saving his life.
Other artists contributing to the exhibit are Diana Birkelund, James Demeo, Michele Ferrante, Christina Harkins, Anita Johnson, Gerald Labbe, Jim O'Malley and Anthony Yoffe.
Daily viewing hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 789-7300.