ART! Samaritans offer art to bring light to dark moments

Photo: Narragansett Bay, William Stanley Haseltine, 1864, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

The Samaritans of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention education, emotional support and home to the state’s most trusted listening line since 1977, in a heartfelt initiative to bring light to those facing dark moments, proudly announced the launch of its newly redesigned website and logo at www.samaritansri.org – with art at the core.

This new platform features art and videos from esteemed institutions like the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, the Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the World Health Organization, as well as web-based images and creative AI design.

With its engaging interface, the site aims to enhance the experience for users of all ages so they may feel less isolated in their struggles. In its new design, The Samaritans of Rhode Island invites viewers to pause, reflect, and engage their imagination on themes of calm, new perspectives, inner strength and resilience within themselves.

Denise Panichas, Executive Director of The Samaritans of Rhode Island and project manager for the new website, stated, “Traditional websites, including our old site, typically feature text-based information, helplines, and static content. The Samaritans of Rhode Island’s new website, however, takes an innovative approach by enhancing the kindness and compassion for which The Samaritans of Rhode Island is known and adding aesthetically enriching experiences with art and interactive elements. 

“We know visitors will come to the website for their own, individual reasons. We don’t judge. But we hope the inclusion of beautiful art will provide a soothing, visual experience offering an inclusive sense of comfort, inviting visitors to take a moment to pause, reflect, practice mindfulness, and take a much-needed break from the stress they might be experiencing. The new design also offers opportunities to inspire empowerment and new perspectives, through pages about Healthy Living. Combined, we hope the website helps visitors also find strength and resilience within themselves.”

“To the best of my knowledge, there is no suicide prevention education website similar to ours in Rhode Island, the nation, and maybe even across the globe.”, said Panichas.

The site remains steadfast in The Samaritans’ commitment to offering information on its programs and initiatives,  suicide prevention education resources, including guidance on suicide emergencies and referrals to local, state, and global references including Befrienders Worldwide. Additionally, the new site continues to highlight resources available in all of Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns.

The Samaritans of Rhode Island have also updated its Teen, Parent and Educators pages under the title Teen Talk.

“While nothing at The Samaritans of Rhode Island substitutes for emergency or professional medical and behavioral health care, or the compassionate listening ear of a Samaritan volunteer, our website fulfills an unmet need for support when family, friends, professionals aren’t available,” says Panichas. “We urge everyone to visit the website as often as needed. Visitors can rest assured that, in line with our Listening Line practices, all visits are free and anonymous, with only generic statistical data, like site visitor numbers, being collected.”

History of the Sites Creation and Web Design

The inspiration for retooling the website with a focus on fine art came from the success of the agency’s Forget-Me-Not Gallery in the historic Baker-Hanley House in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, a state-recognized Arts District. “”Visitors arrived at our beautiful gallery exhibits with their unique motivations but left feeling a sense of connection, community and admiration for what we were trying to accomplish through our association with historic preservation, artists and fine art.“ said Panichas.

Panichas adds, “Starting in 2020, curating the website design during and post-pandemic was a massive effort that included funders, artists, webmasters, and volunteers. Each brought their own perspectives and experiences to the table but, in the end, it was their dedication to suicide prevention and respect for The Samaritans’ role in the community that made it all happen. 

Curating and web design credits go to consultants Donald W. King, former Artistic Director of The Providence Black Repertory Company and Providence Sound Session; webmaster and Latino artist and community arts leader Pablo Rodriguez-Masjoan; award-winning Pawtucket, Rhode Island-based photographer Christy Christopoulos and members of the Brown University club Students for Samaritans. The art-inspired new logo was designed by graphic designer Joanne LaCroix Hemerlein. 

Seed funding was provided through a COVID grant from the Rhode Island Foundation, followed by Ocean State Charities and other donations. As more funding becomes available, additional features will be added. 

Emergency? Call 911. Need to talk? Call The Samaritans of Rhode Island at 401.272.4044 or 800.365.4044.