Laura Brunetti of L'Estrella Studio
(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, MHAMC represents 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. MHAMC is a certified agency of the United Way of Monmouth County, and funded by local, county, state government and private foundation.
MHAMC 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 MHAMC Board of Directors President 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 County is 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.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
