A vibrant opening for SECHC’s Friends and Neighbors Art Show

Among the crowd of approximately 150 that gathered at the South End Community Health Center for the Saturday, June 14 opening of the SECHC's second annual Friends and Neighbors Art Show was a surprise guest as colorful as the diverse collection of art: designer Betsey Johnson. The fashion legend flew in from New York to celebrate the opening with her brother, SECHC president and CEO Robert Johnson. The edgy designer's appearance lent to the funky vibe of the opening. Nine artists contributed to the show, ranging stylistically from the graffiti-inspired city-scapes of Sean Flood to the primitive canvases and masks of Montreal native, now South End resident Liette Marcil. Texas transplant Rhett Price put a new spin on rock classics on his violin while guests enjoyed appetizers from El Centro Mexican restaurant and sipped beer and wine as they browsed the collection. The second floor patio was open for guests to relax in the warm sunshine. The exhibit will run until June 29, and up to one-half of the sales price of purchased items will benefit SECHC's programs.

Artist/curator James Edwards, Betsey Johnson and SECHC president and CEO Robert Johnson. (Michele D. Maniscalco)

Artwork by Liette Marcil (Michele D. Maniscalco)

Violinist Rhett Price. (Michele D. Maniscalco)

James Edwards and Robert Johnson. (Michele D. Maniscalco)