Late Night Andersonville

Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV), a Chicago and Evanston-based AIDS non-profit service organization, will host its annual exhibition of artwork created by clients in its Art Therapy program, as well as supportive community members, at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted.  The exhibition will run from November 7 through December 6 and will be preceded by a fundraising reception on November 7, from 5:30-7:00pm, in the Center’s Irving Harris Family Foundation Reception Hall.

BEHIV’s Art Therapy program provides a social network to people who may not have one and is open to anyone willing to use art to help express difficult and complicated feelings.  The impact on the community is manifold.  It fosters art among people who value it and introduces the healing value of art to others.  This, in turn, creates a sense of community and provides a sense of belonging to people who are often marginalized.  Exhibitions also provide an educational value to the community and may provide an additional deterrent for those uninfected with HIV to remain so.

In the past, Art Therapy has been funded by federal funds, which have now been eliminated.  BEHIV is committed to continuing the beneficial service and hosts the exhibition and reception annually to support the program, with reception proceeds and art sales benefiting the program.  Sponsors of the exhibition include the Center on Halsted, Duxler Tire & Car Care Center and Illinois Department of Public Health.