CATA Art in High Demand in the Berkshires
 More than 80 works are for sale at CATA's gallery behind the Triplex. Most of the pieces range between $90 and $150 and provide income for the artists. |
The art, which is the culmination of a year's worth of workshops under the theme "Sticks and Stones," is a brilliant, textured mish-mash of watercolors, tissue paper and, of course, inspiration. This, according to CATA faculty artist Patricia Hogan, is the whole point.
"Our artists have great confidence and aren't afraid to break free," she said at a gallery breakfast held this morning. "We as functioning adults are so concerned with the rules. We focus too much on them."
The artists at CATA, as a general rule, like to break the rules. Now in its 18th year, CATA, which offers workshops in the visual and performing arts to people with disabilities, is finding growth in a slowing arts economy.
"We're really getting people to see bits and pieces of something," said development director Liana Toscanini. "That’s organic growth. That's the Berkshires."
In addition to offering access to the arts to more than 600 adults in the area, CATA is slowly stepping into another role and suddenly the offer of art is no longer just for people with disabilities.
"It's a mentor reversal," Toscanini said. "We are learning from our students. We want to share this work and introduce that work that we do to others."
Administrative Director Katie Clarke said CATA art is at a point now where introductions are somewhat unnecessary. She said that in the last year, she has seen a significant increase in foot traffic and phone traffic in regards to seeing the work of CATA artists.
"I've had a lot of people calling me, asking me about this work or that," Clarke said. "Some people want to put a piece on reserve or they'll call because they want to buy a piece that they've seen at a show or on our website. Several times I've had to open up the gallery because people are very interested in the work."
County hospitals are among those interested in what CATA has to offer. While CATA art has been on display in area nursing homes for the last 10 years (through a Berkshire Healthcare contract), Toscanini said lately other facilities and organizations (including Fairview Hospital) have been inquiring about displaying artwork in various wards and community areas.
"Obviously art is not the first thing on any hospital's mind right now," Toscanini said. "But when you think about it, why not? Most of the paintings are bright and the colors are cheerful. If they were to be in a hospital setting that’s an artist’s way to give back to the community."
As CATA continues to flourish, according to Toscanini, so too do the artists.
"We have one artist in the program, his name is Eric. And he sells a ton of his work. So much so, in fact, that he doesn't know what the term 'starving artist' means,” she said. “He’s a working artist. All of our participants are working artists."
For more information on CATA or on purchasing art from the gallery visit www.communityaccesstothearts.org or call 413-528-5485.
