There's still time to help artists with disabilities!

When you think about artists throughout history, you might not recall that many of them had disabilities – Beethoven was deaf, Van Gogh had mental health issues, Matisse was visually impaired, and Leonardo da Vinci had dyslexia. Despite these challenges they persevered, and we remember them for their art – not their disabilities.

VisArts’ accessible art classes and VisAbility Art Lab are central to our mission of transforming individuals and communities through the visual arts. It’s through these initiatives that we maintain our commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to express themselves creatively. Art helps individuals with disabilities discover their voices, share their ideas, demonstrate their independence, and embrace their differences. Art is essential for individuals of all abilities.  

VisAbility Art Lab, now in its fifth year, supports 27 adult artists with disabilities (who have aged out of federal and state services) as they create, master new techniques, pursue exhibition opportunities, market and sell their art, and learn life and work skills that empower them to deepen their interpersonal connections and achieve their professional goals. Artists describe the Lab as a family that accepts and values them as they are – a supportive space where they can come together to learn from, and be inspired by, each other and the entire VisArts community. 

Not surprisingly, COVID-19 has been disconcerting for Lab artists. It’s disrupted their daily routines and made it harder for them to create and connect. With restrictions on large group gatherings, the Lab quickly pivoted to a virtual studio format that continues to provide support, encouragement, and guidance for Lab artists. The change has been relatively easy for some artists, especially those who prefer to join the Lab more frequently for shorter sessions, but for others online interactions have been difficult. Overall, our Lab artists have been resilient and entrepreneurial in creating and selling their work. 

Despite the significant, ongoing financial challenges we’re facing as an organization, VisArts remains committed to providing artists with disabilities access to the transformative power of visual arts. With your help, VisArts can continue to support VisAbility Art Lab and offer scholarships and discounts to artists who wish to join this vital community.

Please give what you can by December 31st. Your monthly or one-time gift of any amount will make a big difference.

While the near future is uncertain, we believe that together, we'll not only survive – we'll thrive!