Celebrating the Works of Disabled Artists
Students from the art program at United Cerebral Palsy/NYC had their works displayed at the Prince George Gallery in NYC for the month of October. The art was sold to collectors and the proceeds went to the artists and art program. "What I have not been able to express verbally, I am able to express through drawing and painting," says one student.
New York, NY (PRWEB) November 10, 2008 -- Students from the art program at United Cerebral Palsy/NYC had their works displayed at the Prince George Gallery in NYC for the month of October. The art was sold to collectors and the proceeds went to the artists and art program. "What I have not been able to express verbally, I am able to express through drawing and painting," says one student.
The Story Synopsis
| | - A small group of adults with disabilities are participating in an "outsider art" project with the help of two dedicated teachers from UCP/NYC and the corporate support of a small law firm,
- Their efforts have produced a critical and financial success and a legitimate gallery show recently opened at The Prince George Hotel in the Flatiron district,
- The show coincides with the New York art world's "story of the year" - the American Folk Art Museum's exhibit of the works of Martin Ramirez; a master "outsider artist" who spent his entire life wrongly institutionalized,
- The UCP project captured the attention of Roger Cardinal, the influential art historian who first coined the term "outsider art" and appeared at UCP to endorse the project to the art community while in town for the Ramirez exhibit.
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Available Story Support
High Res images of works from the gallery show (see attached).
Interviews with the severely handicapped artists, their families, their teachers and the art lovers who have purchased the work.
Interviews with NYC gallery owners who will comment on the validity and uniqueness of the work.
The Rest of the Story
In recent weeks we've read about a famous artist, Martin Ramirez, who is being hailed as one of the masters of the twentieth century. Ramirez is an "outsider" artist whose work is currently on exhibit at the American Folk Art Museum in NYC. Sadly, Mr. Ramirez lived most of his life in institutions - where he created his art.
A woman sits in a wheelchair and stares blankly at the passersby on E. 23rd Street. Someone looks past her and notices a compelling painting hanging in the window of United Cerebral Palsy of New York City and inquires about it. After a brief negotiation with UCP/NYC, the passerby buys the painting for $400. The purchase was made by an art lover; not by a charitable donor.
The woman confined to the wheelchair is the artist. Like many others, her appearance belies her very real talents.
The art program at United Cerebral Palsy/NYC has uncovered the deeply hidden talents of many people who have lived outside of mainstream society because of their profound disabilities. Now they are flourishing in a caring, nurturing environment at UCP under the tutelage of art teachers Julia Justo and Eve LeBer. "I own a NYC art gallery and I attended the Prince George
exhibit and was impressed with the level of talent that was displayed," said Sharon Goldberg, owner of Goldberg Contemporary Art in NYC.
UCP/NYC art student Robin Gray, a newcomer to painting, wandered into the class six months ago looking for something to do. Her physical limitations make it difficult for her to hold a brush but a persistent and positive attitude has helped her gain mastery over the tool. Her original painting "Pines in Winter" was chosen for the invitations and posters for the UCP art exhibit, "Celebrating the Creative Spirit". It was sold for $400.00 to a private collector. Robin is working, having fun and feeling good about herself.
"The UCP art programs foster and nurture the creative process, enabling each artist to develop hidden talents and open a world of self-discovery and expression," says Vicki Pollack, director of community outreach at UCP/NYC and organizer of the gallery event.
Even the program's corporate sponsorship is unusual. Pegalis & Erickson, a medical malpractice law firm and a supporter of the art program since 2006, helped underwrite the gallery show. However, they take it a step further by regularly purchasing a piece of art from one of the artists and featuring the work on their own holiday card. As a medical malpractice firm, they believe the message of living a quality life despite medical challenges is as important as any legal award their clients receive. "Our firm is an enthusiastic supporter of UCP/NYC and by doing so, we get our message across that we are not only a law firm that achieves big verdicts, we care about those we fight for as well," says Annamarie Bondi-Stoddard, the firm's managing partner.
A woman in a wheelchair, a man condemned to spend the rest of his life in an asylum. Both create art that is provocative and wise.
A story on the program, the budding art students and how men and women with disabilities have found art as the expressive medium for communication can make a fascinating story with Robin or others sharing their stories with you.
"What I have not been able to express verbally, I am able to express through drawing and painting. This is my life and this is my gift," says one UCP/NYC artist.
Call me at 212/228-1249 to arrange an interview. Thank you.
Gina Pirozzi
G. Pirozzi Consulting
212/228-1249
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