NEWTOWN, CT (WFSB) -
On the two-month anniversary of the Newtown school shooting, an art gallery held its grand opening as a way of helping the community heal.
A vacant storefront on Queen Street will now serve as the Healing Newtown Arts Space.
"It came about from tragedy, but came as healing center," said artist Jennifer Johnston, who was involved in a similar type of healing after 9/11.
On Dec. 14, Adam Lanza shot and killed his mother at their home, then went to Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 26 children and adults.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy made an appearance at the grand opening Thursday afternoon along with singer/songwriter Jim Allyn and Ballerina's, which is Newtown's children's chorus and acrobats.
"It really helps families, adults and children to get creative and express themselves," Johnston said.
One Newtown mother said the gallery is already helping the healing process.
"It's brilliant I think it's a wonderful thing for us, to help heal," sais Saba Quraishi.
A fundraiser was held so Healing Newtown can find a permanent place to call home.
They plan on using all kinds of art resources from near and far including donated displays, art therapy and even teaching art, to name a few.
Healing Newtown will be open every day.
Copyright 2013 WFSB (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WAVE, a Raycom Media Station. 