Care Net celebrates artwork from community members

Photos by Tom Rivers: John Angelucci, a chef at the Risen Café, sang and played his guitar during a reception at an art show last month at Care Net’s Long Haul Gallery at 168 South Main St., Suite 2, in Albion.

ALBION – The Care Net Center of Greater Orleans is known in the community for offering pregnancy testing, education and limited ultrasounds.

Care Net also offers STI testing and parenting classes for both males and females. The organization also gives out material aid such as diapers, wipes, blankets and clothing up to size 24 months, when available.

But the center recently led art classes and showcased participants’ creations in the Long Haul Gallery, which Care Net started about two years ago in the hallway leading to the center at 168 South Main St., Suite 2.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council approved a grant for Care Net to purchase art supplies for the classes, including palettes, brushes and paint.

Wende Swick (left), Care Net’s former executive director, shows artwork to Jackie Swaby, GO Art!’s  education director and gallery curator during a reception at the Long Haul Gallery on March 13. Some of the pieces have been on display since the gallery opened in July 2023 while others are new works created in recent classes.

Swick said some of the supplies will continue to be used through an Art Club at Care Net.

Provided photos: Harvest Christin Fellowship opened its doors for three weeks of art classes, with participation ranging from 7 the first class to 20 for the third session.