Spring arrived early for all who attended the joyful opening of CATA’s Garden Dreams exhibit at Berkshire Botanical Garden. CATA artists, families, friends, and art lovers filled the gallery, basking in bright, expressive paintings and sculptures — created by artists with disabilities in CATA’s year-round visual arts workshops.
“This exhibit brings color and light to our lives just when we need it most,” one guest shared. “We look forward to it every year!”
Imaginative sculptures by CATA artists with disabilities.
CATA artists from disability agencies and residences across the Berkshires (including BFAIR, Cadmus, Blue Q, Stanton Home, Leander House, and BCArc) traded hugs, fist bumps, and big smiles as they shared their art with family and friends. Eleven-year-old Elijah from Hoosac Valley Middle School celebrated his first art show with his family!
Elijah celebrates his first art show with his family.
CATA artists in our “Making an Art Show” workshop helped curate the exhibit. At the opening reception, they chatted with guests about their vision for the show.
CATA artists Eric (Oakdale Residence) and Cathy (Stanton Home) helped curate the exhibit and spoke with visitors about the artwork.
Lisa Metcalf (BCArc Nu-Opps Brain Injury Program) spoke with guests about her process for her mixed-media piece, Trapped Florals. This year, artists in CATA’s “Making a Soundtrack” workshop composed original music inspired by several of the paintings, including Lisa’s. You can listen to the music right now on CATA’s digital exhibit guide.
CATA artist Lisa (BCArc Nu-Opps Brain Injury Program) with her peice, Trapped Florals. “I put a lot of love into my paintings.”
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.
Sam (BCArc Transitions) with his fabulous flower sculpture.
One woman took home a stunning sculpture of a sunflower as a housewarming gift for a friend. Another claimed a painting for herself: “The composition is fascinating to me, and the blue color fills me with hope.” By the end of the afternoon, a third of the exhibit had sold!
Scroll through the photos below for more great moments from our opening!
