Nestled into a bright corner of the beautiful Lexington Park library is a new art show, put on by Trico, a St. Mary’s County facility dedicated to the treatment and counseling for the mentally disabled. The one-of-a-kind show is called Art for Art’s Sake.

This past Wednesday, Oct. 1, participating Trico artists entertained art lovers from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests were treated to original works of art and hearty conversations with contributing artists. The show continues through Friday, Oct. 31.

“Learning the art of art was the brainchild of Mary Beaton, one of Trico’s counselors,” said Lexington Park Art Director Candy Cummings. “She formed a group of individuals who come together and learn about art. They also learn the ‘art of art,’” said Cummings. She indicated that the individuals discover untapped personal resources of talent and self-expression. “The members have found a new ‘voice’ through visual images and artists’ materials.”

Cummings understands the value of opening up pathways to learning. “This form of expression transforms their world and enables them to release their innermost thoughts and feelings.” She stated that the expression of art helps deliver them to a realm of joy and creative excitement.

All income made from the sale of Trico artists’ work will go directly to those in need and to help others in St. Mary’s County.

Participating artists in the Trico show are: Geoffrey Reynolds, Terri Insley, Mary Beaton, Belinda Smith, David Jackson, Rosemary Longfield and Michael Carrico.

TRICO Corporation was established on Dec. 10, 1987, as a nonprofit, charitable corporation designed to provide counseling, care and prevention services to residents of St. Mary’s County and Southern Maryland.

According to the web site www.tricocorp.org, “Although treatment is an important function of the TRICO services, prevention of more serious mental health, substance abuse, and youth delinquency problems is specifically addressed by TRICO through individual counseling, motivational and recreational groups. Remedial services are also provided for those who indicate a need or desire for such programs.”

Trico emphasizes the idea of availability of services. “We serve everybody who comes to us, no matter their ability to pay.”