Years ago, while representing INDEX as a vendor at the Federation Conference, I bought a beautiful silk scarf from Jessica Vohs of JessiArts. This scarf is one of my most treasured accessories as I have worn it to countless weddings and dress up events.
Doing this week’s blog has opened my eyes to other artists with disabilities and the organizations that support them. The following is a list of upcoming events and resources for artists in Massachusetts.
Resources, Exhibitions & Employment
- VSA Massachusetts
Provides artists of all abilities the opportunity to exhibit their work and pursue professional development in the arts. - Learn about art classes for teens and adults.
- Calls for Art
- Resources for Artists
- Open Door Gallery – Current Show
Contact: Bonnie Kaplan, Cultural Access Director and Boston ARTreach Coordinator at bsk@vsamass.org
- Artists Beyond Challenges (ABC)
A diverse group of artists working with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to achieve professional development, self support, and independence through exhibitions, networking, and marketing. Contact: Lisa Weber, Program Coordinator (617) 204-3638 or lisa.weber@massmail.state.ma.us.
Art Programs
- Gateway Arts Brookline, MA
is a Vinfen art service for over 100 adults with disabilities. Includes fine art, jewelry, pottery, fabric painting, weaving, paper graphics, and folk art. Store, art gallery & studio on site.
Contact: Gateway Arts at 617-734-1577 or gatewayarts@vinfen.org. - Community Access to the Arts Great Barrington, MA
Workshops include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and set & costume design. Held September thru May. Contact: Adrienne Brown, Program Coordinator, at (413) 528-5485 or email adrienne@communityaccesstotheArts.org. To make an appointment to view the art gallery, call CATA at (413) 528-5485 or liana@communityaccesstotheARTS.org. - EMARC’s The Center for Emerging Artists Reading, MA
Welcomes individuals , ages 22 and up, to explore their artistic talents. Must be DDS and MassHealth eligible. Artwork is available to the general public including paintings, greeting cards, furniture, jewelry, t-shirts and more.
Contact: Amy Ruiter, Director at 781-944-4888, Ext. 5037 or aruiter@theemarc.org - Special Needs Arts Program, Inc. (SNAP)
Offers Saturday art and craft classes for adults ages 20+. Activities include painting, drawing, day work, fabric painting and a variety of seasonal and holiday crafts. Classes led by Special Education Teacher Michelle Shofield. Contact: Jill O’Reilly at art@snapsing.org. - The Artists of GWArc
Arts programming has been primarily available to participants in GWArc‘s day programs; now offering future arts programs to all. Contact: GWArc at 781-899-1344 or recreation@gwarc.org.
Upcoming Event
VSA Massachusetts has partnered with The Kennedy Center to bring the 2012, “Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability” Conference (LEAD) to Boston August 21 – 24, 2012. Events will take place at The Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, and other locations throughout Boston. Complete details are available at The Kennedy Center’s website.