RARE TORNADO: “Art on Tour” at Hudson Hall

RARE TORNADO: “Art on Tour” at Hudson Hall

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2018
Contact: Chris Watford
(413) 528-5485
Digital images available

RARE TORNADO: CATA “ART ON TOUR” EXHIBIT AT HUDSON HALL

GREAT BARRINGTON, MA—Community Access to the Arts (CATA) presents “RARE TORNADO”, a vibrant exhibit of artwork created by CATA artists with disabilities at Hudson Hall in Hudson, NY. The exhibit features paintings by seven local artists who use the innovative Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.) technique to create their work. A free, public art opening will be held on Friday, April 27 from 12pm-2pm with many of the artists in attendance.

A.R.T. is an adaptive painting technique developed by artist Tim Lefens, which gives full artistic control to individuals with significant physical disabilities through the aid of laser pointers and trained trackers acting as the hands of the artist. RARE TORNADO features a selection of stunning, original paintings created through CATA’s A.R.T. workshops at Coarc, a CATA program partner in Columbia County.

CATA Executive Director Margaret Keller says, “We’re proud to bring attention to the incredible work created by CATA artists in Columbia County. CATA has offered hundreds of one-on-one A.R.T. workshops since 2005, which have allowed artists with disabilities to develop their technique and artistry, and to create profoundly expressive works. The energy and vibrancy of this exhibit is a testament to the life-changing power of this technique, and we’re thrilled to share it with our community. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the extraordinary work of these artists!”

“RARE TORNADO” runs from April 26 through May 1 at Hudson Hall’s “West Room” at 327 Warren Street in Hudson, NY. The paintings, each in acrylic on canvas, range widely in stylistic expression and scale of size.

All works in the exhibit are professionally matted, framed, and available for sale, with proceeds supporting commissions for individual artists. This event is part of CATA’s “Art on Tour” program, where original works of art created by CATA artists travel throughout the year to museums, galleries, community centers, and other venues.

CATA Art on Tour is funded by October Mountain Financial Advisors, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and other generous supporters. RARE TORNADO is presented in conjunction with Coarc in Columbia County, which is made possible in part with public funds from the Decentralization Program of the NYS Council of the Arts, administered in Columbia County by the Greene County Council on the Arts through the Community Arts Grants program.

Community Access to the Arts (CATA), now celebrating its 25th year, nurtures and celebrates the creativity of people with disabilities through shared experiences in the visual and performing arts. Our programs take place in partnership with 49 residences, day programs, school, and community settings, serving 700 people with disabilities throughout Berkshire and Columbia counties. To learn more about CATA programs and events, visit CATAarts.org.

Coarc has been an advocate and resource in Columbia County for individuals who experience disabilities and their families since 1965. We provide comprehensive services to children and adults, both in the community and at more than 20 Coarc locations. Services range from employment programs, where our job coaches assist individuals to acquire and maintain interesting jobs in the local community, to residential services, where Coarc direct support professionals promote independence and support people with their daily in-the-home needs. Our comprehensive programs and services expand the abilities of pre-school students to seniors.

 

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