LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — New Hope Community resident Anita Bullard joined eight fellow artists on October 1 to unveil a series of large-scale works as part of “Voices Through Brushstrokes” at Liberty Mall.

Hosted by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce and presented in partnership with Grese Productions, Casa Di Longobardi and Hope’s Compass, “Voices Through Brushstrokes” brought together local artists and community partners to share personal stories and perspectives through art.

Each participating artist created a three-foot-by-eight-foot painting that was revealed during an unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following the event, the works became a permanent installation displayed in the upper windows of the Liberty Mall atrium.

Bullard, 61, has been creating art since she was about 15 years old and has been a member of New Hope Community since 2002. New Hope Community supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in exploring their interests, building independence and pursuing experiences that help them thrive.

For Bullard, art has long been one of those outlets.

“Art is important to me because it helps me channel my emotions,” she said. “This event is something I will get to keep as a special moment in my life, something to treasure forever.”

Bullard spent more than 20 hours creating her piece, “Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder,” using acrylic paint. The project marked the first time she had created a painting on such a large scale.

Throughout the process, New Hope Community Art Coordinator Laura Hertel worked alongside Bullard, offering guidance on scale and composition while helping her translate her artistic vision to the canvas.

“Anita approached this project with tremendous focus and creativity,” said Hertel. “Creating on this scale was a new challenge, but she embraced the opportunity and remained true to her own artistic style. Seeing her work displayed as part of a permanent community installation makes this experience especially meaningful.”