07 Mar A Joyful Opening for CATA’s “Seeds of Connection” at Berkshire Botanical Garden
Photo: John Chapdelaine (BCArc Nu-Opps Brain Injury Program) with his painting “Jellyfish”
Within moments of CATA’s exhibit “Seeds of Connection” opening at Berkshire Botanical Garden, the Leonhardt Gallery is brimming with joy and excitement. CATA artists pose proudly with their stunning, framed artwork. Art lovers revel in the vibrant paintings on the walls, vying to purchase their favorite piece. Families, friends, and caregivers smile and embrace one another. Despite the chilly weather outside, CATA’s exhibit is filled with warmth, festivity, and community.
In one corner of the gallery, CATA artist John Chapdelaine can’t escape the paparazzi—four different people ask him to pose for a photo in front of his striking blue painting, Jellyfish. Fellow CATA artist Betsy Carlotto can’t contain her enthusiasm. “John, you did that one?” she asks. “That’s awesome!”
Photo: CATA artist Eric Schumann (Oakdale Residences) shares how he helped curate the sculptures on display
In another room, Eric Schumann, a CATA artist who helped curate the exhibit in our new Making An Art Show workshop, wants to make sure everyone sees the elegant wire and fiber sculptures set up on the fireplace mantle. “We put these sculptures here because we love the shadows they make on the wall,” he explains.
Artist Hannah Peabody explores the gallery to find her painting, Mountains in the Mist, hanging on a sunny wall. “The placement is perfect!” she says.
“I love all of it,” one guest gushes to another, checking the price list for the 55 works in the exhibit. “I want the whole collection!”
CATA artists earn a 50% commission on each sale of their work. For CATA artists—as for any artist—selling a work of art brings a powerful sense of accomplishment and pride. Soon, half the exhibit has sold!
Photo: Mike Beck (BBG Executive Director), Margaret Keller (CATA Executive Director), CATA artist Hannah Peabody and her mother Maryphena Peabody
Photo: Kambree reads braille descriptions of the artwork— mounted below each painting in the exhibit.
One of the first works to sell is a vivid black and yellow painting by Terry Shedrick, titled Fantasy Tree. “I was drawn to the fresh colors,” says Linda, who purchased the work. “It reminds me of a Marimekko print, perfect for a black and white room in my home.”
Brian, a local musician, snags a small abstract painting by Ed Scarafoni, entitled Italian Candy. “Something about the texture,” says Brian, “and this one brush stroke that runs against the direction of all the others. It’s going in my studio.”
Photo: Art lovers vie to purchase their favorite works!
Photo: Artist Myles Tosk (BCArc Center for Development) with his painting “Full of Daisies”
A vibrant painting by Myles Tosk, Full of Daisies, catches Joan’s eye right away. “I could feel the energy of the piece as soon as I saw it,” she says. “I love the motion and the free-ness of style.” Myles’ work, and several others in the show, were made in CATA’s adaptive painting programs.
Myles’ work, as well as others in the show, were made in CATA’s adaptive painting programs. Myles uses Artist Realization Technologies (A.R.T.)—an innovative technique developed for artists who may not be able to hold or manipulate a paintbrush. A.R.T. allows the artist to control every aspect of the creative process.
Photo: Staff from Acrisure, who sponsored the exhibit, pose with a painting by Katrina Couture— which they purchased for the Acrisure conference room!
Several team members from Acrisure, the lead sponsor of the exhibit, gather around Katrina Couture’s massive painting, Fish Turtle — which was also made using the A.R.T. technique. Rich swathes of kelly green, teal, and deep blue fill the canvas.
“This piece has to go in our conference room in Pittsfield,” exclaims Kim Baker, a Senior Client Advisor at Acrisure. “The mix of colors represent our history: green for our Irish beginnings and blue for our current logo. We are so honored to be able to display this gorgeous statement piece to our clients and teach them about the processes the artist used to create it.”
Photo: CATA artists Kellie Ward and Eric Schumann helped to curate the exhibit as part of our new “Making An Art Show” workshop
“Seeds of Connection” is on display through March 23, 2025. Click here for details!
“Seeds of Connection” is sponsored by Acrisure, with additional support from Frames on Wheels, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and generous supporters like YOU. CATA thanks the Berkshire Botanical Garden for their partnership in making this exhibit possible.
Your support helps to share the talents of CATA artists with our community. Please join us by making a gift today.