Where: The Art Trust at Meridian Bank, 16 W. Market Street, West Chester
On View: Through August 9
Opening Reception: Friday, July 12, 5-8 pm
Curator's Talk: Thursday, July 25, 7-8 pm
Being inspired to create is a marvelous thing. The new exhibition at The Art Trust at Meridian Bank, Art Ability, celebrates the passion and talent of artists of all abilities. Over 30 pieces of art are on display, all created by artists with disabilities, including physical and related cognitive disabilities, and hearing and visual impairment. It is a small selection previewing the annual Art Ability exhibition and sale to be held November 2nd, 2024 through January 26th, 2025 at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital for the 29th year.
“It is inspiring to see the quality and variety of work created by artists with disabilities,” said Liz Ruff, Board President of The Art Trust at Meridian Bank. The Art Trust sponsors a $500 award for the Art Ability exhibition every year, and holds a preview like this every two to three years to help spread the word about the international juried exhibition. “This is curated, professional level work and we’ve included Bryn Mawr Rehab's labels in the exhibit—which not only reflect title, materials, and pricing but shed light on the artist's process, providing background and quotes,” said Ruff.
The array of talents on display are impressive for any exhibition, from detailed landscapes to modernist paintings, fine one-of-a-kind jewelry to delicate beadwork. From the Art Ability program, “Art Ability is dedicated to creating community awareness of people with disabilities, and encouraging people with disabilities to reach beyond their limitations and find fulfillment and inspiration through art.” The program not only provides a way for these artists to show their work, it is also on display for patients of Bryn Mawr Rehab to view and become a motivating factor in their healing. Proceeds from the sale go mostly to the artists, with 20% earmarked to support patient treatment programs.
The preview exhibition at The Art Trust is the perfect opportunity to get a closer look at some of the pieces, and learn more about the program and participating artists. The Opening Reception will be held at The Art Trust Friday, July 12th from 5 to 8 pm. On Thursday, July 25th at 7 pm, a Curator’s Talk will feature Erin Panner, the Art Ability Program Coordinator from Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital.
“We hope that this exhibit will inform our community about the Art Ability exhibit at Bryn Mawr Rehab in the fall and inspire them to attend,” said Ruff. “Visitors should anticipate seeing high quality work at our Art Ability exhibit, fall in love, and purchase a piece for their collection!”
About Art Ability:
Art Ability has a primary focus as an international, twelve-week juried exhibition and sale of art and fine crafts that features work by artists with physical and related cognitive disabilities, and hearing and visual impairments. Participating artists express their creativity through painting, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, stained glass, jewelry and fine crafts. Through these creative modes of expression, artists are able to convey their talent, receive recognition for their work, and often also to further progress in recovering from a life-altering illness or injury.
The event is held every fall. Proceeds of the Art Ability celebration help support Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital patient and community programs.
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