Riverside Arts

Art at Riverside Industries

We provide adults with developmntal disabilities with the resources they need to explore their creativity through the visual arts. We believe that the ability to make art is innate to all people, and that the process of making art can strengthen self esteem, sense of community, and joy in living.

Riverside arts formally began in August of 2006 as a result of conversations between William Zimmer, Franklin/Hampshire Director of The Department of Mental Retardation, and Jusin Kim, local artist and co-founder of The Oxbow Gallery in Northampton. Their idea for an art workshop was presented to Riverside Industries. Denise Herzog had been holding informal art classes at Riverside, so joined the team. Cailin Gibbons got on board, and became director in August of 2007. Denise Herzog currently directs the program.

We have held exhibitions at Nashawannuck Gallery, Elusie Gallery, Northampton Center for the Arts, Apollo Grille, Northampton Center for the Arts, Cooley Dickinson Gallery, and Easthampton Town Hall.