05 Dec CATA AND GOOD PURPOSE GALLERY PRESENT “FRIENDLY UNIVERSE”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2024
Contact: Chris Watford, Communications Director
[email protected] / (413) 528-5485
Images available here
CATA AND GOOD PURPOSE GALLERY PRESENT “FRIENDLY UNIVERSE”—An Exhibit of Paintings by CATA Artists with Disabilities
LEE, MA—Community Access to the Arts (CATA) and Good Purpose Gallery present Friendly Universe, an exhibit of paintings by artists with disabilities. The exhibition is on display now through January 13, 2025. The gallery, located at 40 Main Street in Lee (next to Starving Artist Cafe), is open daily (except Tuesday) from 8am-3pm.
A free “Meet the Artists” reception will be held on Tuesday, December 10 from 3-5pm. RSVP’s are requested at CATAarts.org/goodpurpose2024.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Good Purpose Gallery to showcase the incredible work of CATA artists,” says CATA Executive Director Margaret Keller. “Each artist has created profoundly expressive work. Exhibits like this help our artists with disabilities share their talents with the wider community, drawing us into their life experiences through vibrant works of art. Our entire community is enriched by their creativity!”
Many works featured in the exhibit were created through CATA’s adaptive painting workshops. A hallmark of CATA’s inclusive arts programs, these workshops incorporate innovative techniques making painting and visual arts accessible for artists with a wide range of disabilities, including techniques inspired by Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.), originally developed by artist Tim Lefens. Working one-on-one with CATA faculty, artists use color wheels and a specialized series of yes/no questions to guide their creative decisions. Artists who are not able to manipulate a paintbrush instead use a laser pointer to direct the movement of the brush on the canvas.
Additional works in the exhibit were created in an innovative new pilot program, the CATA Supported Studio, where artists with disabilities work independently on self-directed projects with the support of a CATA Faculty Mentor, pursuing personal goals and developing their unique style.
The exhibit features a wide range of styles, from bold and exuberant abstract paintings, to meditative reflections on the artists’ experiences and the world around us. All works are professionally matted, framed, and available for sale, with proceeds supporting commissions for the individual artists. Prices range from $180-$620.
Friendly Universe is sponsored in part by Frames on Wheels, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and other generous supporters. The exhibit is part of CATA’s “Art on Tour” program, where original works of art created by CATA artists are featured in exhibits at museums, galleries, community centers, and other venues in Berkshire and Columbia counties.
About Community Access to the Arts:
Community Access to the Arts is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing and celebrating the creativity of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, and autism. CATA engages 1,000 people with disabilities across 16 towns and cities in Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY. Through dynamic arts programs, CATA artists with disabilities are empowered to discover new talents and express their unique perspectives. CATA shares their vibrant work in public performances, art exhibits, and poetry readings— collaborating with major cultural institutions including the Clark Art Institute, The Mount, and Shakespeare & Company to shine a light on the remarkable creative abilities of people with disabilities. Learn more at CATAarts.org.\
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