Over 250 artists with disabilities are sharing their talents in CATA’s Annual Art Show this summer.
Emilee mixes a bright shade of blue, adding bold brushstrokes to her canvas. “I like making art because I can be myself and do what I feel,” says Emilee, a CATA artist at BFAIR’s Community-Based Day Program in North Adams. “I like to do things different. I’m my own person.”
This summer, Emilee will see her painting professionally framed in a gallery as part of CATA’s Annual Art Show, “I Am a Part of Art”—one of the largest annual exhibitions of artists with disabilities anywhere in the country!
All year, children, teens, and adults with disabilities across our community have been discovering their talents, building skills, and creating stunning art in CATA workshops. Now, over 250 CATA artists will have their work featured at the Clark Art Institute and the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts.
“‘I Am a Part of Art’ is a window into the imagination of artists with disabilities—and it brings CATA’s mission to life,” says Margaret Keller, CATA Executive Director.
“CATA artists have been digging into their talents and creating incredible work—paintings, drawings, photography, collage, sculpture, printmaking, illustration, and even stop-motion animation. Now, we’re inviting the whole community to celebrate their artistry.”
Every work of art is available for sale, and CATA artists earn a commission on each work sold. For CATA artist Charlie, exhibiting his work is a source of pride.
“I like making art and putting it in the show,” says Charlie. “It makes me feel wonderful and proud to know that people will say, ‘Oh wow I love this painting!’”
Charlie poses with one of his paintings.
Artists with disabilities shape every part of the exhibit, from art creation to curation. In our “Making an Art Show” workshop, CATA artists learn the ins and outs of curating exhibits—and play a big role in selecting and arranging artwork for the show. CATA artists also co-write and narrate audio tours for our digital exhibit guide, sharing their ideas and insights with visitors.
Cathy Crofut, a longtime CATA artist and one of the co-curators of the exhibit, is proud to have her painting “Earth at Night” on display at the Clark Art Institute.
“I feel happy when I look at my painting because I love the colors that I chose,” says Cathy. “I hope other people will be happy looking at it. And I hope it sells!”
“I Am a Part of Art” is sponsored by Lead Underwriters:
with additional support from Berkshire Magazine, Frames on Wheels, Barr Foundation, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which receives support from the State of Massachusetts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Your support helps to share the talents of CATA artists with our community. Please join us by making a gift today.
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