PREAMBLE

It is not a secret: arts improve health. The British Medical Journal recently provided another valuable argument to support this claim. It even suggests that a diversion of a small portion of the health budget to the arts would probably increase the health of the population. A tempting idea indeed.

However, the general public seems to be in ignorance: the Canadian Forum on Arts and Health found that most people are still not aware of the benefits of the arts in relation to health and well-being.

ARCANUM

" ..The one thing which may in some degree
reconcile the cultured person with life –
scientific and artistic enjoyment..."
Eduard von Hartmann, Philosophy of the Unconscious

From the Freudian view, arts derive from the same source as fantasies and dreams, and have the same purpose – to reduce tension in the soul. This applies to both creation and perception of the art, regardless of modality – painting, sculpture, literature, music, dance, etc.

Thus, in some respects artists are not special – like the rest of us, they have the same narcissistic desires and fantasies, rather shameful to share under our cultural restraints. But unlike us, artists have a very special gift – they are able to exhibit their fantasies in a skilful, camouflaged way, and to attract us first with the external, formal side of their work. It traps us, provoking a preliminary, properly aesthetic pleasure, turning our internal "censor" off guard. And then, it enables us to enjoy our own deep prohibited fantasies – projected on the art – without shame and self-blame, with revealing catharsis.

How are artists able to do this? It's their mystic secret;
it's art.

MISSION

VENUE

Besides the solo exhibitions of contemporary fine art, the gallery offers annual thematic shows:

• Acknowledging Freudian Psychoanalysis as the most profound metaphor ever offered for the comprehension of human behaviour, spring exhibitions present artists' free associations on Unconscious Drives, Basic Instincts, Inter-Personal Conflicts, Libido, Love, Dreams, etc.

• Recognizing Therapeutic Recreation as an effective treatment modality, summer exhibitions thus reflect on thoughts, things and actions that make us feel better mentally and emotionally without cheap Prozac or expensive therapy.

• Fall is not an easy season for many: back-to-work depressions, psychotic de-compensations, increased suicides... Perhaps not surprisingly, October is the International Mental Illness Awareness Month. Add the Halloween zombies, and the picture becomes even more vivid. Therefore, the autumn shows are somewhat spooky and scary.

• Winter – a time of falling stars, realisation of mortality and philosophical reflection on life. In a broader view, all human existence is nothing but Narrative, anyway. So far, "Fairytale" is a generic icon for the winter exhibitions.

PHILANTHROPY

In the gallery, free of charge, school and university instructors may conduct their art classes, writers give new book presentations, and musicians gather an audience for a small concert. For the public, the gallery obviously offers no admission free, including "by appointment" arrangements. Through its web site, the gallery promotes local businesses, attractions, and events: over fifty links are listed on the LOCATION page – without expectation of "exchange." A portion of revenue from certain exhibitions is assigned for the animal shelter of Bracebridge as our lepta for those who happen, in a sense, to be even more vulnerable than artists.

The gallery does not charge artists for exhibiting their works – only if an art is sold, the gallery retains a commission. Occasionally, for "artist-in-crisis" a consultation is offered pro-bono in the gallery-affiliated psychology office on premises – the Private Counseling Associates.

HERITAGE

Back in the 19th century, a tiny walking lane, perhaps not surprisingly named "Chancery," was designed to connect the Court House with the main street of downtown Bracebridge. Today the Court House is still operational and lawyers' offices continue to function on and around Chancery Lane. Besides, "chancery" possesses connotations that lead somewhat beyond just a Law, considering the initial Chancery Court of 15th–17th centuries in England and Wales, which specifically dealt with behavioural issues from the perspective of the human sense of Fairness and Equity – concepts of the Conscious. Thus, we were both historically and linguistically pre-determined to preserve this "chancery" touch while choosing a name for the gallery with psychological flavour on the Chancery Lane.

With respect to the spirit of the 19th century house in historical Bracebridge, it felt like an obligation to throw down its convenient modern "drop ceiling" in order to expose the charm of its original metal tiles underneath. Old masonry containing traces of the building's story on its bricks was also appealing for emancipation from layers of stucco, paint, drywall and paper. Pieces of antique furniture of the period were re-introduced on the floor.

At different points of the past centuries, various enterprises were located in this house, such as a Tobacconist Shop, Book Store, and the famous Shelly Bistro. Now here is a Gallery. Yet, with the temptation of keeping with historical continuation in the old town, there is an attempt to recreate an allusion to the past. Thus in the gallery you still may buy a book, a cigar, or some fine chocolate. Understandably, though, here you will only find items associated with Art & Psychology and linked to the decadence of the bohemian Montmartre at the turn of the previous centuries.

The town’s legend offers that several ghosts inhabit the area. Accordingly, the popular Bracebridge Ghost Tour starts at the Inn-at-the-Falls and continues beside the Court House through Chancery Lane to the main street. Thus, the gallery happens to occupy a recognised "haunted house." Without going into details of believers and related experiences, the gallery reserves a shelf for books on the topic and opens its doors to Ghost Tour visitors, even after hours.

FELLOWSHIP

Owner and director of the Chancery Art Gallery, Lena Kolobow holds a doctoral degree in psychology and has years of University teaching, academic research, and clinical practice, including art therapy – previously in Moscow, New York and Ottawa.