NJ artist devotes time to raise mental health awareness at the
Keansburg Swap Meet and dedicates park gazebo
Keansburg, NJ, July 2, 2009: Laura Brunetti of 'L'Estrella Studio's Traveling Canvas' participated in a borough-wide afternoon community Swap Meet event on Saturday, June 20th. 'L'Estrella Studio's Traveling Canvas' sold 'Trash and Treasure' items and donated 100% of the proceeds to Keansburg Resource Network, a partner with The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County.
The day before the Swap Meet, a tragic fire broke out in a Keansburg apartment complex and destoyed 9 homes. In response to this crisis, Laura Brunetti donated remaining clothing, toys and furniture to the families who were victims of the fire.
Immediately after the Swap Meet, Laura Brunetti then traveled to Friendship Park in Keansburg to celebrate the installment of the new park Gazebo - her gift to the community. The ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony will took place at 5:00 pm. Light fare and refreshments were served. Keansburg Mayor Arthur Boden, Council Members and some Mental Health association board members were present to celebrate their newest park addition. News 12 New Jersey covered the gazebo dedication along with announcing a clothing/furniture/toy drive to help the families affected by the fire.
Ms. Brunetti's generous donation is on behalf of Keansburg Resource Network (KRN) and The Mental Health Association (MHA). The Gazebo plaque will read 'Dedicated to The Children of Keansburg'. Laura's well-known mantra is "Gratitude is the attitude" and lives her life as such.
Ms. Brunetti's creative approach to philanthropy has empowered and inspired thousands of community members to assist with art workshops and seminars at risk youth programs and health care facilities. The gazebo will serve as a peaceful place where children and families can enjoy for years to come.
Started in 2003, Keansburg Resource Network is a community collaborative and prevention effort which centers on empowering families through knowledge and support. It is located in St. Mark's Episcopal Church and is funded by foundations and grants obtained by the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County.
Keansburg Resource Network (KRN) has three primary functions: 1) to provide information and referral for a myriad of social problems through an easily accessible resource center. 2) to coordinate the provision of an array of free social services and 3) to act as a center for community involvement. Any resident of Keansburg, NJ is eligible. Call 732-495-8222 or 732-542-6422.
The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County an affiliate of Mental Health America, the country's leading non-profit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. We represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness of the health and well-being of the nation-everyday and in times of crisis. www.mentalhealthmonmouth.org
News 12 New Jersey Reporter Laura Jones interviews Laura Brunetti
Dedication Plaque permanently placed in the new Friendship Park gazebo
MHA Development Director, Laura Oncea with Laura Brunetti, Mayor Arthur Boden and MHA Executive Director, Wendy DePedro, MSEd pose for a picture in the gazebo
Susan Belfer of Belfer Communications, Laura Brunetti gather donated toys
MHA Board Member Ruth Palacio volunteers at the Swap Meet with Laura
A Keansburg resident shops at the Swap Meet and finds treasures with Laura
For media inquiries, contact SUSAN BELFER
732.239.1559
Celebrated New Jersey Artist Laura Brunetti is Chosen
to Serve on the Board of
MHA
January 20, 2009 (Colts Neck,
NJ): 2009 is the year to strengthen our communities more than ever. Laura
Brunetti is continuing to help those in need of emotional healing through
art. She was recently chosen to serve on the board for The Mental Health
Association of Monmouth County.
The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHAMC) is the
county's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier
lives. As an affiliate of the National Mental Health America and the NJ State Mental
Health Association, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental
wellness for the health and well-being of the nation- every day and in times of crisis. MHA is
a certified agency of the United Way of Monmouth County, and funded by local, county,
state government and private foundation.
MHA also chose John W. Callinan, Certified Elder Law Attorney
as another newly appointed board member. Among his many accomplishments and
certifications, he is a weekly columnist for the Courier Newspaper, frequent lecturer on
topics of Elder Law, Member of NJ State Bar Association - Elder and Disability Law
Section and Member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. The MHA
President of the Board of Directors is Joe P. Silvestri, CFP, Vice Presidents
are Karl Hagberg and Ralph Marra, Secretary is Nancy Pearson and Treasurer is
Alexandra Smith.
Laura is honored to join forces with the Mental Health
Association of Monmouth County in their quest to spread awareness and give individuals
the opportunity to use the arts as a form of expression. "With my Traveling Canvas
concept, I come equipped with the raw materials - they create", says
Brunetti. "I tap into their imagination and allow the clients to express openly
through painting, poetry and impromptu performance art. I have discovered having
the person choose to dress up and play a character, he or she is able to
express the difficulties in his or her life much easier as they separate from the vulnerability
of speaking as themselves. That is the true gift of art".
Last summer in 2008, Laura had launched a very ambitious project
called "L'Estrella Studio's Traveling Canvas". It was an inaugural summer project
in Asbury Park which soon spread throughout different towns in Monmouth
County. The Traveling Canvas was originally endorsed by ArtsCAP (Arts
Coalition in Asbury Park) and Madison Marquette (National Property developers
who have successfully restored the Asbury Park Boardwalk). Ms. Brunetti conducted art
sessions on Sunday afternoons on the Asbury Park Boardwalk in the Grand
Arcade and encouraged youth to draw and paint as a daytime summer
activity as a creative outlet for kids to express themselves - for free. Art
supplies were provided and the emerging artists kept their masterpieces. Whether it
was just 2 or 20 kids who showed up, no one was turned away. This project is 100%
privately funded by Laura. It is her gift to enrich the community.
About Laura Brunetti: Laura Brunetti, founder and owner of L'Estrella Studio in Colts Neck, New
Jersey, has turned her artistic endeavors into the Art of Giving. She is known as a
world-class healing artist by helping charities raise funds through her original artwork. By
gentle persuasion, private clients purchase Laura's original artwork and write their checks
directly to their chosen non-profit organizations. Ms. Brunetti also hosts charitable
events and donates her artwork to their art auctions.
Laura Brunetti is involved with many
organizations such as The Mercy Center of Asbury Park, Collier Services and her Alma
Mater, Monmouth University. Other affiliations include: -Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts (SICA) Advisory Board
Member -Monmouth University Social Welfare Advisory Committee which produces
YOUTH ADVOCACY PROGRAM (YAP) -ReVision Theatre Board
Member -Monmouth Museum Board Member -Member of the Art Alliance, Red
Bank, NJ -Member of the Art Society of Monmouth County -Member of the Colts
Neck Artists Group, NJ -Member of Re-run (Finding Homes for Retired Racehorses)
-The Wellness Community/The Diney Goldsmith Center Art donations -The
Valerie Center/The Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center Art classes -The
Center in Asbury Park Art donations, art shows and classes -Room Dedication and
Painting Unveiling at Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital in Wyckoff, NJ -Jersey Shore
Center Genesis Rehabilitation Art workshops with Alzheimer's patients -International
Feng Shui Guild New Jersey Shore Chapter -180 Turning Lives Around - Safe
House Design Project -Monmouth Cares -Kean Kamp -Prevention First's
Project Vision -Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County -Monmouth Medical
Center Behavioral Outpatient Services
-United Way of Monmouth County
Ms. Brunetti
welcomes visitors to her private gallery, hosts charity art shows and Feng Shui
consultations at her very own art enclave, L'Estrella Studio in Colts Neck, NJ. Part of her
repertoire also includes poetry and journaling classes. Laura is a published poet, enjoys
traveling, volunteering and spending time with family and friends. Ms. Brunetti resides with
her loving husband John in Wayside, New Jersey.
Mental Health Association of
Monmouth County An Affiliate
of
MENTAL HEALTH
AMERICA
The Mental Health Association of
Monmouth Countyis dedicated to promoting mental health and
wellness, the prevention of mental illness and the improved care and treatment of persons
affected by mental illness through our strength based innovative programs, education,
advocacy, community partnerships and the shaping of public policy.
Belfer Communications | SICA Building | 20 3rd Avenue | Suite 202A
| Long Branch | NJ | 07740
