SULLIVAN—The Center for Discovery has received a generous donation of five paintings by celebrated abstract expressionist painter Cleve Gray. The donation was facilitated by Thaddeus Gray, son of the late artist, who sought to honor his father’s legacy by placing the artworks where they could inspire and uplift.

Dr. Theresa Hamlin, President and CEO of the Center for Discovery, said, “Each piece holds its own beauty, like the children in our care. Cleve’s work resonates with themes of depth, expression, and interconnectedness, reflecting our philosophy of holistic care.” 

The paintings, which range in value from $30,000 to $50,000, are displayed across various facilities, including the Children’s Specialty Hospital and the Carrus Institute’s family room.

Thaddeus Gray described the motivation behind the donation, explaining, “My mission, frankly, is to find great homes for these paintings. It doesn’t do my father’s legacy any good to have paintings of this quality sitting in a barn, in darkness where no one’s going to see them. If they can be tools for young people to learn about art or develop emotionally or any of the above, that’s definitely the mission of the foundation.”

Thaddeus shared that his friendship with Jeff Stevenson, a parent connected to the Center, initially sparked the idea for the donation. 

“Jeff and I were chatting about the idea of donating these paintings. He put me in touch with the director, who expressed a strong interest in possibly taking a donation,” he recalled. “So, she came down, and then there was a second visit, and the paintings were selected and shipped to the Center for Discovery.”

The five paintings span different series created by Cleve Gray, including pieces from the “Zen Gardens” and “Release” series. These works, known for their vivid colors and gestural brushstrokes, are prime examples of Gray’s mastery in blending elements of Abstract Expressionism with influences from traditional Chinese scroll paintings.

The Center for Discovery integrates art into its therapeutic practices, a concept that made Cleve Gray’s paintings a natural fit. Conio Loretto, head of the Integrated Arts Department at the Center, emphasized the importance of art in therapy, saying, “We have art therapists on staff who engage our students and adults in creating their own artwork, giving them the opportunity to express themselves. Beyond self-expression, they’re also developing self-image, an awareness of themselves, and even physical skills like motor skills.”

Loretto highlighted how the presence of Gray’s art can transform the atmosphere. “The more interesting and inspiring an environment can be because of the artwork that’s in it, the better it is for the folks that are here,” he said. “Walking into a space filled with such vibrant and thoughtful artwork can help mitigate stress and uplift spirits, which is crucial for the healing process.”

For Thaddeus, the donation not only honors his father’s artistic achievements but also extends Cleve Gray’s influence into a meaningful setting. “It’s fantastic for a number of reasons. First, because my mission is to find great homes for these paintings... And secondly, because if they can serve as tools for young people to learn about art or develop emotionally, that aligns perfectly with the foundation’s goals,” he added.

Cleve Gray’s career spanned decades, during which he developed a distinct style characterized by bold, gestural strokes and a deep appreciation for color. His works are housed in major collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Whitney Museum, and the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. 

Thaddeus hopes that this donation is just the beginning of a lasting partnership. He plans to attend a future event at the Center to officially commemorate the installation of the paintings. “I’ve been told by the team at the Center for Discovery that they’d like me to come. They’re going to do some kind of opening for this, the installation of the artwork, and I’ll definitely come up for that,” he shared.

Dr. Hamlin shared that the donated paintings serve as more than just decoration; they play a role in storytelling. “Cleve Gray’s art helps us convey the importance of understanding the whole person—biology, behavior, and environment—all of which are central to our approach here,” she said. The colorful, layered compositions found in the “Zen Gardens” series, for instance, evoke a sense of tranquility and interconnectedness that aligns with the Center’s ethos of creating a calming and therapeutic environment.

With the addition of Cleve Gray’s paintings, the Center for Discovery continues to lead the way in blending art, therapy, and care, offering a holistic model that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. 

As Dr. Hamlin added, “Art allows us to see the world through a different lens, and that is a gift we want to give to every child, adult, and family who walks through our doors.”