SARATOGA SPRINGS – On September 26, Spring Street Gallery will be opening an art exhibit from 50 individuals whose job title is not that of artist, but rather dispatcher, medical nuclear physicist, human resource generalist, clinical laboratory technologist, registered nurse, teller and receptionist. The exhibit, “Ar+Work: Creativity in the Workplace,” explores how personal artistic expression influences and improves the way we work.
The selected works range from music to painting, photography, poetry, quilting and dance. These art pieces were created by those employed at The Adirondack Trust Company, Saratoga Hospital and the City of Saratoga Springs. Their artistic work may go largely unknown, but the impact of the arts on their work is at the heart of their contribution.
“As a nurse, it's crucial that I am always observing the little things that may be missed by the common eye. I feel that this habit has crossed from my professional life into my personal life and this is why I love photography. I notice the little things that I think are beautiful and like to capture them,” said Anna Fort, nurse at Saratoga Hospital.
The leaders of the participating organizations were also asked how they define creativity and if creative expression helps them and their colleagues in business roles.
“I see our staff in many difficult situations, and for them, I’m not sure there is a definite line between creativity in the workplace and creativity outside the workplace,” said Angelo G. Calbone, President and CEO of Saratoga Hospital. “They often find themselves in circumstances that can’t be predicted, that instead require spontaneous thinking. So our staff, to be really good at what they do, need to be creative in how they think, how they talk, how they approach people and how they respond to unpredictable situations.”
Charles V. Wait, Chairman and CEO of The Adirondack Trust Company also shared how creativity impacts his career and the careers of his employees. “I think we’re going through a very quiet revolution in the workplace. It’s liberating to follow an artistic pursuit, and I think that it’s more and more important in business that we allow people to feel that they are liberated in the pursuit of their careers,” he said. “If you follow examples like Google, who is trying to find new ways to bring pleasure into the workforce so that people are inspired, people work harder and people find meaning in what they do. And that’s the most important thing – to have meaningful work.”
Proceeds from the show will benefit the Saratoga Foundation for Innovative Learning, a non-profit made up of community members, which seeks to foster forward-thinking and creative opportunities in the Saratoga Springs School District. SFIL provides grants and funds projects that enhance student participation, achievement and innovation in their education experience.
The opening reception for “Ar+Work: Creativity in the Workplace,” is Saturday, September 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. The exhibit runs through November 6. After, the artwork and community leader testimonials will be posted on Tumblr.
Spring Street Gallery is located at 110 Spring Street, in Saratoga Springs. Spring Street Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment. The gallery will also be open on October 10 and 24, from 12 to 5 p.m.
