Artmaking has served as a cornerstone of life and clinical treatment at the Austen Riggs Center for more than a century, providing patients with a vital outlet to explore complex experiences, build personal competence, and articulate feelings that often evade ordinary speech. This season, that enduring history and ongoing creative work return to the public eye in “Making Meaning: Growth and Artistic Expression in the Activities Program,” a free exhibition hosted at the Corner House Community Exhibition Space in Stockbridge.
Located at 48 Main St. in Stockbridge, the exhibition welcomes visitors Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-October, offering free admission to the local community and visitors alike. First presented in 2025, the showcase returns for 2026 with an expanded collection featuring newly contributed works from current and former patients, as well as pieces created by Activities Program staff members Chalice Mitchell, Michael McCarthy, Jim Markham, Jill Gibbons, Kevin Coleman, and Jen Morse.
The exhibition also incorporates new pieces by Leo Garel, whose long association with the center helped shape its visual and creative identity over decades. Through a carefully curated selection of artwork, archival materials, and historical context, “Making Meaning” traces the evolution of the Activities Program—which was originally established under the direction of Joan Erikson—and highlights its foundational role within the therapeutic community at Riggs.
The Therapeutic Roots of Creativity at Austen Riggs
The historical framework of the exhibition underscores how creative expression became integral to the Austen Riggs Center’s treatment philosophy. Established under Joan Erikson’s direction, the Activities Program was designed to weave creativity, craft, and meaningful daily occupation directly into the fabric of patient recovery and personal development.
Beyond traditional visual arts, the program historically embraced a diverse array of pursuits, connecting its workshops directly to the Austen Riggs Center Nursery School and local greenhouse initiatives. These diverse avenues were intended to give individuals practical domains for growth, helping them regain a sense of agency and purpose during challenging periods in their lives.
Writing on the philosophy of the program, Joan Erikson articulated a clear vision for the impact of structured creative engagement. “Art, crafts, drama, intellectual pursuits, involvement in the nursery school or greenhouse program are productive for personal growth and development in any individual,” Erikson wrote. “These activities … promote change in a positive direction, support competence, and enhance the dignity and identity of the person involved.”
Expanding the Vision with New Works and Archival Depth
By bringing together archival documents alongside contemporary pieces from both staff and patients, the 2026 installation of “Making Meaning” illustrates how the center’s early ethos continues to thrive. The inclusion of works by staff members—including Chalice Mitchell, Michael McCarthy, Jim Markham, Jill Gibbons, Kevin Coleman, and Jen Morse—demonstrates a collaborative creative environment where mentors and participants alike engage in the artistic process.
Garel’s enduring ties to the Austen Riggs Center allowed him to deeply influence the visual culture of the institution, leaving a lasting imprint that modern participants continue to build upon.
Visitors looking to view the exhibition can do so during regular operating hours at the Corner House Community Exhibition Space through mid-October.
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