FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2018
Contact: Chris Watford
(413) 528-5485
Images available upon request

EXHIBIT BY CATA ARTISTS WITH DISABILITIES BRINGS MESSAGE OF INCLUSION TO THE BERKSHIRE PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT

GREAT BARRINGTON, MA—Community Access to the Arts (CATA) presents an exhibit of work by artists with disabilities at the Berkshire Probate and Family Court at 44 Bank Row in Pittsfield, MA. Opening on September 24 in partnership with the Massachusetts Trial Court’s “Cultural Appreciation Day,” this striking exhibit offers an opportunity to experience the diverse creative perspectives of people with disabilities, with more than 30 works on display throughout the court building by artists from across Berkshire and Columbia counties. The exhibit will be on display through October 31, 2018.

CATA Executive Director Margaret Keller says, “We’re honored to be part of the Massachusetts Trial Court’s celebration of diversity and inclusion. The vibrant paintings and drawings in this exhibit reflect the incredible creative spirit of our CATA artists–and remind us that our community is always richer, more dynamic, and more interesting when we recognize just how much each person has to offer.”

The curated exhibit features work created by artists with disabilities in Community Access to the Arts programs. Each work, ranging in stylistic expression, media and technique, is professionally matted and framed, and all pieces are for sale, with proceeds supporting commissions for individual artists. The exhibit is a part of CATA’s “Art on Tour” program, where original works of art created by CATA artists travel throughout the year to museums, galleries, community centers, and other venues. The exhibit is funded by October Mountain Financial Advisors, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and other generous supporters.

The Massachusetts Trial Court’s Cultural Appreciation Day started in 2016 as a means of uniting and educating court employees around issues of diversity and inclusiveness as well as enhancing services for court users. Other Berkshires organizations taking part in this year’s Cultural Appreciation Day activities include Berkshire Immigration Center, Pittsfield Moves, Berkshire Interfaith Organization, and Shakespeare & Company, among others. The Cultural Appreciation Day is sponsored by Massachusetts Trial Court, Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office, Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department, City of Pittsfield, and Pittsfield Public Schools.

About Community Access to the Arts:

Now in its 26th year, Community Access to the Arts (CATA) nurtures and celebrates the creativity of people with disabilities. Through dynamic arts workshops and public events, CATA artists tap into their potential, explore new talents, and share their unique points of view with the wider community. CATA collaborates with 49 partner organizations to bring visual and performing arts programs to 700 people with disabilities across Berkshire County, Massachusetts and Columbia County, New York. Learn more at cata-staging.mystagingwebsite.com/.