Pictured: Halo Art Project President Jackie Cutrone (left) and Resilient Retreat Executive Director Lisa Intagliata (right) present a $1,500 check to first place winner Amy Towery (center).

Resilient Retreat, a new Sarasota non-profit providing free and confidential support for survivors of trauma, first responders and helping professionals, proudly announces the winners of its local art competition sponsored by the Halo Arts Project. The open call to artists welcomed pieces focusing on resilience, hope and strength after adversity. "Art tells a story and can be a source of inspiration, validation and support for trauma survivors," said Resilient Retreat Board Chair and Founder Dr. Sidney Turner. “As such, we were very deliberate in selecting the artwork for our new center. We wanted to include local artists while also representing diverse backgrounds and experiences.” After much consideration, the art committee selected Amy Towery’s ‘Journey to Healing’ for First Place and Stacy Sternberg’s ‘Journey” for Second. Truly embodying the spirit of giving back and serving others, Towery shared that she will be dividing her $1,500 prize three ways with donations to Resilient Retreat, the Halo Art Project and Meals on Wheels of Manasota, for which she serves as Executive Director. All submissions, including the two winning pieces, are now on display in the all-new retreat center, which recently opened its doors on November 3. In addition to these local pieces, Resilient Retreat is honored to have received diverse works from Sarasota non-profit Embracing Our Differences, which are also on display throughout the center. For more details on the art competition submissions, please www.resilientretreat.org/art-competition-winners. For information on Halo Arts Project, please visit www.haloartsproject.com. For information on Embracing Our Differences, please visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.

Pictured: Halo Art Project President Jackie Cutrone (left) and Resilient Retreat Executive Director Lisa Intagliata (right) present a $1,500 check to first place winner Amy Towery (center).