At Pathway Homes, art is celebrated as an outlet for at-risk local residents facing mental health issues to express themselves. The results can be seen throughout July at the Fairfax County Government Center.
The annual “Summer of the Arts” exhibit, now in its 12th year, features more than 40 pieces in media ranging from watercolors and pastels to poetry and 3D modeling. Works are typically sold for $15 to $75, with 100% of the proceeds going to the artists.
“Art is so healing. The opportunity to process our emotions is a powerful healing tool,” Pathways President and CEO Sylisa Lambert-Woodard told FFXnow during a reception honoring the artists on Wednesday (July 16).
Since its inception more than a decade ago, the exhibition has drawn increased interest from those receiving services from Pathways, a Fairfax City-based nonprofit that provides housing and other supports to people with mental illnesses and co-occurring disabilities.
“More and more people have become involved,” Lambert-Woodard said. “Our residents are so inspired — they’re so proud of their work.”
Among those on hand was Marti Kelly, a Fort Belvoir resident who each year creates an intricate afghan for display and sale.
“It’s fun. I love it,” she said of the creative process. “It helps relieve my stress.”
Born in Pittsburgh, Kelly learned the technique for creating afghans from her grandmother.
“I started when I was 13. I’m 65 now and haven’t stopped yet,” said Kelly, who also creates crocheted scarves and towel-toppers.
The 2025 afghan, offered for sale at $175, fits a full-size bed and took about two months to complete. With copious amounts of yarn in various colors stored at home, Kelly is never without a project to work on.
“When I finish [one], I’m ready to start the next,” she said.
Arthritis in her thumbs is only a modest impediment, although Kelly was slowed down once by a broken wrist. Being unable to work on projects during that period represented “six of the most miserable weeks of my life,” she said.
Among the art pieces on display but not for sale is “Lion Pride,” an acrylic work by Karen Free. It is the centerpiece of each annual exhibition.
Free was a Pathway Homes resident who in later life struggled with health issues, including vision and mobility problems. Her death in 2011 was an impetus for the annual art exhibition.
“Her sense of hope really provided an inspiration to so many of the residents,” Lambert-Woodard said.
After Free’s death, her family established the Karen Free Art and Recreation Recovery Fund, which provides opportunities for Pathway residents to explore and enjoy the arts.
The summer exhibition moved to the county government center about four years ago. Previously, it had been held in venues in Vienna, McLean and Reston.
The exhibition runs through July 31 in the Government Center’s south atrium and can be viewed weekdays during business hours. In addition, artwork can be viewed and purchased online.
