The Rehab Institute of Chicago continues to shape lives through the power of art
This spring, the Rehab Institute of Chicago hosts its annual Art In Motion gala on Thursday, May 5 at the Ryan Family Atrium at Northwestern University’s Lurie Center. Our firm is once again pleased to contribute as an Art Devotee for RIC’s big event. Last year, Ken and Jay had the pleasure of touring RIC’s updated rehab wing and meeting with several patients who have benefited from the tremendous resources that RIC continues to provide year in and year out.
The Art In Motion gala, now in its 14th year, is a wonderful opportunity to meet RIC staff members and celebrate all the great things RIC has accomplished. The gala also serves as a chance to ensure the financial wellbeing of the institute by raising money for the Art Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation programs, part of a long-standing plan that encourages patients to create art as a means to overcome traumatic, even terminal injuries.
Sponsorship of Art In Motion allows for a Resident Art Therapist on site 24 hours-a-week to initiate and lead programs; over 700 hours of art therapy services for individuals and groups of patients; one year of twice-weekly movement therapy classes at RIC’s Health and Fitness Center.
RIC’s Art Therapy Program is funded solely through philanthropic support. The unique aspect of the program makes RIC one of the highest ranked rehabilitation institutes in the world. By providing artistic workshops, RIC gives its patients a chance to re-learn vital aspects of motor skills and coordination, while also allowing them to express their emotions as they adapt to a new way of living.
In keeping with its goals of engaging patients through the power of art, RIC curates a selection of work from participants of the Art Therapy program and artists from around the country. They invite artists to display their pieces in a pseudo-gallery in the Ryan Family Atrium, where the art is put up for sale. The juried exhibition features a range of styles—from impressionist to sculpture to oil and canvas. James Rondeau of the Art Institute of Chicago makes a special appearance as juror, awarding the top three pieces featured in the gallery.
Last year, our firm met several of the featured artists. We ended up leaving with three original paintings that now hang on the walls of our office.
We encourage all of you to look into the recreation programs developed by RIC. Many rehab patients have suffered unspeakable tragedy at the hands of negligence, including accident victims who have come through the institute as a result of drunk driving, distracted driving and any number of illegal activities. Thanks to RIC, many of them go on to lead fulfilling lives despite long odds. We’re looking forward to honoring them and celebrating another year of success for RIC.
