About

Diane Menchetti, M.A. conducts AWB & paint night workshops. She is a founding member of Impact Artists Gallery, an originator of their Art Healing & Health Annual Exhibitions and a past director. She uses the Art Without Boundaries method of aiding brain neuroplasty for Autism & Alzheimer's disease. In her own words:

"Currently I paint in watercolors, oil, and make collages in the impressionistic and expressionist styles. My artwork is inspired by travels to the Grand Canyon, Zion and Sequoia National Parks and beautiful landscape in Western New York, such as, Niagara Falls and the Botanical Gardens. Experiences as an Art Therapist, Art Instructor at Empire State College, Art & Healing Workshops, dancer, movie extra, & creating copper, silver & diachronic jewelry all stimulate, influence & motivate my art.

As a prize-winning artist, I exhibit nationally, internationally and locally in solo and group shows in Beijing, China; Moscow, Canada; Washington DC; Detroit; Niagara Falls, WNY and Buffalo. Some exhibits include: National Museum of Women in the Arts, Albright Knox, Big Orbit, Hallwalls, Carnegie Art Center, Kenan Center, Roosevelt Site /Wilcox Mansion, Greater Buffalo Partnership, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Burchfield Penny Art Center, Impact Artists’ Gallery, Temple Beth Am, Greater Buffalo Partnership, Analytical Psychology Society, Market Arcade, Arts Council, Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, University of New York and Canisius College. I am one of the founding members of and have been the Director of Impact Artists’ Gallery from 1/ 2001-1/2005, and Co-Director till 2000, current President of the Board and have degrees in Fine Art, Psychology, Certified MnemeTherapist and Art Without Boundaries Association Member.

My art deals with nature & abstract figurative paintings & collage. Art allows expression of my feelings toward the outer world, and to my inner self. There is a connection to the primitive raw material of the mind, layers of the psyche and the earth elements. The chasms deep within the psyche are analogous to the canyons, gorges, and ravines in nature. There is also similarity in the process of traveling on the spiritual path in the self and the journey through the visual symbols expressed in art of nature. Art empowers us to examine concepts such as materialism and our comfort at the expense of the environment, future and true quality of life. Pollution affects all life, even what we can’t see. We are in denial of our selfish destruction.

"Trained in Art Therapy, I have a strong belief in the power of Art as a healing modality. When I graduated from University of Buffalo with an MA., my thesis was on Autism and worked with Autistic children. Six years ago, I became Certified in new breakthroughs program, MnemeTherapy™ also known as Art without Boundaries.This is an exciting ground breaking field aiding the neuroplasty of the brain that allows me to help those with Autism, stroke,Alzheimer’s disease, other disabilities or brain disorders. As a MnemeTherapist™ there is the possibility to actually help change the connections in the brain while providing an enjoyable experience. Clients preform several activities and then are guided to paint a beautiful painting that they and their relatives and caregivers are amazed that they could accomplish. Also, I continuing to create my own art, oils, acrylics, watercolor, collage and jewelry and paint night workshops."

-Master of Arts Degree

-Certified Mneme Therapist

-Worked at Art Without Boundaries

-Former Mentor at Empire State College

UHAA

Diane exhibits her work in University Heights Arts Association ARTpartnering exhibitions:

-2016 1st Annual University Heights Arts Association

Annual Members Exhibition

-2016 2nd Annual "Beauty in Our Backyard Garden Art

Competition"at Amy's Place Restaurant

-2017 2nd Annual University Heights Arts Association

Annual Members Exhibition