Curing Diabetes With Art

Can you cure diabetes with artwork? That’s what the board members and supporters of Art de Cure are trying to do. A couple years ago a group of artists and art lovers came together to discuss a unique idea that would give artists exposure for their work and raise money for the American Diabetes Association. The Endocrine Group, at 1365 Washington Ave in Albany, has taken care of patients with diabetes and other metabolic issues for many years. They have been on the front line of treatment for diabetes patients and these Endocrinologists can attest to the epic growth in diabetes patients.

Some of these doctors from The Endocrine Group have joined the ADA in our Tour de Cure. In fact, Dr. Jay Watsky and Dr. Gregg Gerety have been the top fundraisers for the Saratoga Springs Tour de Cure for many years. The Tour de Cure is the premier fundraising event for the ADA raising over $825,000 in 2011 in Saratoga alone. These doctors know how important the American Diabetes Association is to the fight against diabetes. It is the #1 organization in research, education and advocacy for all types of diabetes patients in the country.  

Last year, The Endocrine Group’s offices were being renovated. It was during this time that Jackie Watsky and Susan Rivers, both accomplished artists, approached the Group about utilizing this new space not only as a waiting area but as an art gallery too. Instead of the typical drab sterile environment that waiting areas usually are, they envisioned a fantastic art gallery spotlighting local artists’ work.  They proposed that the proceeds from this gallery go to the ADA for its mission. The Endocrine Group partners agreed and the Art de Cure was born! After the renovations were complete, the Art de Cure board members took over and they hung all the artwork - they have not looked back.

April 15^th 2010 was the grand opening of the gallery. The waiting area was transformed into a gallery with exquisite artwork on the walls and many other items displayed around the space. The evening included entertainment, wonderful food, drinks and fun auctions. The evening was a smashing success with over $10,000 raised for the ADA! The 2^nd annual Art de Cure auction this past April was even bigger. Between the auction and all the sales of artwork throughout the year this group raised $25,000 in 2011. What an accomplishment! I am sure the 2012 event next April will be even bigger.

The Art de Cure board has taken this project to the next level by opening a 2^nd gallery also in Albany at Clinical Prosthetics & Orthotics on S. Lake Ave. They look at these offices as their own artist canvas. They consult from beginning to end with the doctors. From office furniture placement to colors for the walls the Art de Cure does it all. These 2 galleries have artwork that is changed seasonally. The galleries are open to the public and I highly recommend that you check out what these galleries have to offer. Not only will you love the artwork, but I think you will begin to look differently at your own doctor’s waiting room. As an added benefit - could the artwork have a calming effect on the patients waiting for an appointment? The patients at the Endocrine Group believe it to be so!

So is curing diabetes with artwork far-fetched? I think the Art de Cure has proven that you can! They are helping to Stop Diabetes one piece of artwork at a time.

Are you an artist that wants to have your artwork included in an Art de Cure gallery? Go to Art de Cure to find out how.

Save the Date! 2012 Art de Cure celebration and live auction 4/20/12

Saratoga Springs Tour de Cure – Sunday, June 3, 2012