15 Jul Behind the Scenes: CATA’s Annual Art Show
Katrina Couture with her painting at the Clark Art Institute.
In the CATA studio, artist Katrina Couture puts the final touches on her painting. Sunlight streams onto her canvas, illuminating beautiful layers of blue, purple, and green.
Katrina uses A.R.T., an adaptive technique for artists with significant physical disabilities, and works with a trained Faculty Artist “tracker” to bring her paintings to life. “That’s it,” says Katrina, with a last swoop of the brush. “It’s done!”
Thanks to your support, the next time Katrina sees her painting it will be beautifully framed and hanging in a gallery for CATA’s Annual Art Show I Am a Part of Art— where thousands of art lovers will enjoy it.
“I love painting and mixing all different colors,” says Katrina. “I’m happy when people see my paintings. It makes me feel proud.”
Katrina is one of hundreds of CATA artists across the community who are expressing themselves in CATA programs in painting, drawing, sculpture, and more.
“I Am a Part of Art is bursting with vibrant and expressive artwork,” says Margaret Keller, CATA Executive Director. “It’s the culmination of a year of workshops where CATA artists explore their talents and share their unique perspectives. Your support makes these programs possible.”
“Untitled” (2024) by Nikki Lee
CATA’s Annual Art Show features over 200 works of art at two locations: the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown and the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in Pittsfield.
Curating an exhibit of this size takes many hands. CATA Program Director Kara Smith leads the process, reviewing over 1,500 works by CATA artists from across Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY.
CATA artist Ed Champagne with his artwork at the Clark Art Institute.
“This year, CATA artist Sam Pelletz joined us in a new role as a Curatorial Assistant, helping select the 200 pieces that would be included in this year’s exhibit,” says Kara.
Visitors will be treated to stunning work by CATA artists of all ages: Watercolor paintings by artists from the BFAIR Day Habilitation Program in North Adams. Mixed-media collages by students from Pittsfield High School. Photography by young adults from BCArc Transitions Program. Tempera drawings by artists from Columbia County Arc. Even comics and stop-motion animation by artists at our Great Barrington studios.
One of the most exciting parts of the exhibit: Artwork is for sale and CATA artists earn a commission for each work sold!
“Buying CATA art is a great way to brighten up your home or office and make a difference at the same time,” says Margaret Keller. “But don’t wait! Our exhibits and ‘Meet the Artists’ events attract flurries of art lovers vying to take home their favorite works.”
CATA artist John Chapdelaine, from BCArc Nu-Opps Brain Injury Program, sums up the feeling of selling your artwork: “Ecstatic!”
“I feel proud,” says John. “CATA has helped get my art out there. Some people have bought several of my paintings. I have fans!”