Adams Art Gallery features works created by artists with disabilities

Art instructor Kristen Briggs supports Randy Lake in working with clay.

For the second summer in a row, the Adams Art Gallery is featuring an exhibit of works by artists with disabilities from The Resource Center.

The exhibit is titled “Coats of Many Colors” and will be on display through August 31.  A grand opening gala is planned for Friday, July 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The exhibit features works created by individuals with developmental disabilities in The Resource Center’s “Creations” art program.  The exhibit was arranged by Kristen Briggs, TRC’s art instructor, who coordinates the Creations program.

“The artwork connects the viewer with the emotion, vision and individuality of each artist,” said Ms. Briggs.  “Through their art, the artists have been able to express what they cannot always say in words. Art has provided an outlet for creative expression and enjoyment, while developing skills and talents. Confidence and self-esteem blossom once talents are uncovered.”

Last summer, Ms. Briggs partnered with the Adams Art Gallery on a one-month exhibit that featured some 100 works by the Creations artists.  That exhibit was so well received that the gallery invited Ms. Briggs to put together another exhibit this summer.

This year’s exhibit features paintings, ceramics and pieces made with fibers.  Each piece will include information about the artists and the process involved in creating the work.  Ms. Briggs wants gallery visitors to get to know the artists, and she also wants to drive home the point that although some of the works may appear to be simple, it can take an artist with disabilities “hours, weeks or months” to create a work.

“Last years exhibit was a great opportunity to stretch out to the Dunkirk region of the county,” Ms. Briggs said.  “I want people to take away a continuing of these stepping stones to show what we are made of, for all to be seen as worth being a member of our community and able to add beauty that others cannot.

As she did last summer, Ms. Briggs will offer community art workshops during the course of the exhibit.  She will present a workshop titled “Acrylic Animal Painting” on July 29 and a session titled “Acrylic Flower Painting” on August 5.  In both workshops, participants will learn techniques to create subjects using impressionistic and realism styles.  Each class costs $30, and participants will be provided with canvas and painting supplies.  All ages are welcome, and no prior experience is necessary.  Each class is limited to 15 people, and participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch.

The final workshop will be held August 12 and will focus on photography.  Ms. Briggs will be joined by Suzette Paduano, a local photographer who is the president of the Jamestown Audubon Photography Club, and Jennifer Price, a local studio and wedding photographer.  Weather permitting, participants will meet at the gallery, them walk along the Dunkirk beach.  Participants will learn the basics in digital photography, equipment, functions, and techniques.  The cost is $15 and the class is limited to 30 people.  Participants should bring a camera and a bag lunch.

Each of the three workshops runs from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Ms. Briggs said the success of last year’s workshops convinced her to hold workshops again this year.

“The workshops brought the community together in an awesome way,” she said.  “There were children, teens, adults, from every race and background, participating and learning together – a true demonstration of community at its best.”

To register, visit the Adams Art Gallery web site at www.adamsart.org.  The proceeds from the workshops will be placed in a fund that is raising money to pay for renovations to make the gallery handicap accessible. 

The Adams Art Gallery is located at 600 Central Avenue.  The exhibit is free.  Gallery hours are 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Fridays and noon to 4:00 on Saturdays.  For this exhibit, there will be special extended hours Wednesdays from 9:30 to noon; during those extended hours, artists with disabilities and their support staff from The Resource Center will be opening the gallery for visitors.

For more information, contact the art gallery at 366-7450 or The Resource Center at 483-2344.