21 Feb Making An Art Show: CATA artists take on curatorial roles in new workshop
Kambree and Ethan with their artwork to be featured in our exhibit at BBG—and CATA artists Sam, Kellie and Eric take on roles as co-curators.
CATA artists Kellie, Sam, and Eric bustle around the CATA visual arts studio. Across the tables are dozens of vibrant paintings and drawings created by artists with disabilities.
“This one has bright colors— orange and yellow,” says Sam, pointing to a large abstract painting. The three artists are discussing which pieces will complement each other on a gallery wall. “It will be a great one to catch your eye when you come into the show.”
In this new CATA workshop, Making an Art Show from the Ground Up, artists with disabilities are learning the ins and outs of art curating, from choosing a theme and designing exhibit layouts to installing the art. This pilot program is part of a strategic initiative at CATA to create more leadership and job readiness pathways for artists interested in taking a deeper dive into an art form or technical skill. CATA Program Directors Kara Smith and Jeff Gagnon lead this weekly workshop with Program Coordinator Courtney Maxwell, crafting an innovative, hands-on, and adaptive curriculum for all abilities.
Kellie curates work while talking with Jeff Gagnon (Program Director).
Today, Kellie, Sam, and Eric are putting their new skills into practice— helping to curate CATA’s upcoming exhibit at Berkshire Botanical Garden. As everyone examines the work in front of them, Eric considers which pieces fit the show’s theme: “Seeds of Connection.”
“Red is a good color,” says Eric, pointing to a vivid painting of a flower, reminiscent of a Georgia O’Keeffe. “This is a poppy, and you can see the seeds, and the seeds will eventually fall off. That connects with the theme.”
Sam points out a green canvas dotted with pink shapes. To her, it evokes the theme because of the way the shapes are connected. She holds up an empty frame to explore ways of orienting the painting.
“This one makes me feel like being underwater,” says Kellie, analyzing a different work. “It puts me in another world.” She picks up two delicate botanical illustrations. “I’m really drawn to these,” Kellie says.
Each work gets added to the “potential” pile.
Sarah Vannah smiles while holding her painting that was curated for the exhibit.
Together, the group watches a video tour of the Leonhardt Galleries where the show will be installed. Everyone is bursting with observations.
“I see how certain paintings can be grouped together by color,” says Kellie.
Eric notices some blank spaces on the walls, and asks why that is.
“Maybe,” suggests Kara, “it’s a good place for eyes to pause.”
Kara reminds the artists that they’ll need to choose fifty paintings, and that each piece should tell a story for the viewer. “What else should we consider as curators to make the show successful?” she asks.
“If we have a small wall, we might want to put a small painting on it,” suggests Eric. “And we shouldn’t space the paintings too close to each other.”
“The gallery is shaped differently than other places CATA exhibits,” adds Sam. “We’re going to need a lot of sizes to fit all the different walls.”
Jeff agrees that it’s fun to hang artwork at Berkshire Botanical Garden because it’s broken up into smaller rooms—you might find a surprise when you turn a corner.
Eric points to a three dimensional sculpture made of dried flowers. He says this would be a great piece to include for people like Kambree, another CATA artist. “She’s blind,” Eric says, “and she might want to be able to feel the art.”
CATA is providing this workshop to CATA artists completely free of charge. Funding for this new pilot program, and for all of CATA’s work, comes from donations given by generous supporters across our community.
The public will have a chance to experience CATA artists’ curatorial work when “Seeds of Connection” opens on February 28. The exhibit will feature a diverse collection of landscapes, botanical drawings, and collages—created, and now co-curated, by CATA artists. Works will be available for purchase and CATA artists earn a commission for each work sold.
Stay tuned for more about how CATA artists are stepping into new and exciting leadership roles and pursuing their creative passion!
Seeds of Connection is on view from February 28 – March 24, 2025 at Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Leonhardt Galleries (Stockbridge, MA). Join us for a free exhibit celebration on February 28 from 3-5pm! Click here for details and to RSVP.
Your support helps to share the talents of CATA artists with our community. Please join us by making a gift today.