PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Community Access to the Arts' annual art show "I Am a Part of Art" opens Thursday, July 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts.

 

This is one of the largest annual exhibitions by artists with disabilities in the country. The exhibition will also be hosted by the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, and features nearly 300 paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, illustrations, and animations by 250 artists with disabilities from across Berkshire County and Columbia County in New York State.

 

CATA artists will be on hand at the reception to discuss their collective artwork spanning painting, sculpture, photography, illustration, collage, printmaking, and animation. Artwork is available for purchase, with artists earning a commission on every work sold. The event is free to attend but registration is requested at CATAarts.org.

 

"'I Am a Part of Art' offers a window into the imagination of artists with disabilities — and brings CATA's mission to life," said Executive Director Margaret Keller. "All year, CATA artists build skills and express themselves through weekly arts programs. Now, the community is invited to experience and celebrate their remarkable creativity."

 

The exhibition is the culmination of CATA's year-round visual arts programs for children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injuries.

 

"Art describes our life," said artist Kyle Houghtling. "It lets us show where we've been. My art is awesome and adventurous."

 

Visitors can also explore the exhibition through CATA's free digital exhibit guide on Bloomberg Connects app. It features artist interviews, audio tours written and narrated by CATA artists, original music composed by CATA musicians, and behind-the-scenes stories that deepen visitors' experience while expanding accessibility.