LENOX, Mass. — Community Access to the Arts (CATA) and Mass Audubon present "Second Nature," an exhibit of work by artists with disabilities inspired by the natural landscape of the Berkshires. 

 

The exhibition will be on display at the historic barn at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary from October 17-November 19. 

 

The gallery, located at 472 West Mountain Road in Lenox, is open daily from 9am-4pm (admission to the exhibit is free).

 

A free, opening reception will be held on Tuesday, October 24 from 3-5pm. RSVP's are requested at CATAarts.org/MassAudubon2023.

 

"We're thrilled to partner with Mass Audubon to celebrate the work of CATA artists with disabilities," said CATA Executive Director Margaret Keller. "CATA artists have been working with naturalists from Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries to explore local flora and fauna through tactile nature walks and open air art-making. From those encounters, they've created a stunning collection of paintings, drawings, photographs sharing their perspectives on our beautiful Berkshire landscape."

 

Many of the works were created on-site at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary as part of an ongoing partnership between CATA and Mass Audubon. CATA artists toured Pleasant Valley's "All Persons Trail," working with naturalists from Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries as they created paintings en plein air and captured stunning photographs of the natural environment. Mass Audubon's 15 All Persons Trails go beyond Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and include universally accessible interpretive features such as handrails, braille and tactile features, audio tour stops, wildlife viewing boardwalks and platforms, and seating.

 

"Just like art, nature should be accessible to all who seek out its beauty and restorative properties," said Regional Director of Mass Audubon's West Region Becky Cushing Gop. "We're honored that our breathtaking Pleasant Valley sanctuary can serve as the backdrop for the creation of such inspiring works from these artists."

 

The exhibit also includes work created by CATA artists at day programs and residences serving people with disabilities across the Berkshires. The exhibit includes botanical studies, landscapes, abstract paintings, photography, prints, and cyanotypes ranging widely in stylistic expression and scale of size.

 

All works are professionally matted, framed, and available for sale, with proceeds supporting commissions for the individual artists.

 

Second Nature is sponsored in part by Frames on Wheels, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and other generous supporters. The exhibit is part of CATA's "Art on Tour" program, where original works of art created by CATA artists travel throughout the year to museums, galleries, community centers, and other venues in Berkshire and Columbia counties.