GREENFIELD – Keith Rollins has dabbled in art for 20 years and once worked as a licensed tattoo artist. But Wednesday marked the first time his work has been showcased in a gallery setting.
For approximately the next month, samples of Rollins’ prints will hang on a wall at 74 Federal St., and the 30-year-old Chicopee native is happy to explain his inspiration and creative process. He is one of 13 western Massachusetts residents in recovery with their work exhibited in The RECOVER Project’s annex gallery as part of the nonprofit’s first art show.
“This place has been a huge part of my recovery,” he said about an hour after the exhibit opened on Wednesday afternoon. “This is the first time I’ve ever displayed my art like this.”
Tara Kuzmeskus, a peer support worker with The RECOVER Project, explained someone in recovery had suggested an art show, knowing there is a lot of artistic talent in the area. The idea got a vote of approval at a community meeting a couple of months ago and artists began hanging their work over the past week…[CONTINUE READING]