Spring 2011: Sketchie

SKETCHIE
Sketchbooks & Artworks by Artists with Developmental Disabilities
– a new exhibition of works by individuals from AHRC New York City

On view from April 1 to May 30, 2011
opening reception will be held on Saturday, April 2 from 3-6pm

The TOPAZ ARTS Visuals Arts Program is pleased to present “SKETCHIE: Sketchbooks & Artworks by Artists with Developmental Disabilities” – a new exhibition of works by individuals from AHRC New York City. “Sketchie” displays an inspiring collection of sketchbooks, pastel drawings, and projected images of Light Paintings – long exposure photographs capturing the trail and patterns of colored lights done by each artist. In abstract forms, these works capture the action and process of art-making, from intimate individual sketchbooks to large colorful pastels and kinetic images. The array of works in this exhibition, created by 15 artists with developmental disabilities, inspire the freedom to explore a realm of one’s own.

Created during workshops at the AHRC NYC facilities, and led by prolific art teacher Jason Cina, this series follows the progression from a 2008 exhibition of large action paintings “Out of Bounds” curated by Topaz Arts. Cina uses few parameters in guiding the artists through each medium, allowing each individual to display their own artistic sense.  Deriving a “back to basics” approach Cina describes the project, “Artists have always used sketchbooks as a visual diary and means of problem-solving concepts before embarking on a new series. In the introduction of sketchbooks, each artist chooses their own subject matter – themes progressed throughout the subsequent pages becoming more rhythmic and cohesive. Over time, patterns emerged – revealing details of the artists’ ability to translate visual information, and more importantly, how they problem-solved and related objects in the space allotted. To see their artworks and the way relationships or families of color are chosen and blended together in beautiful and intricate ways is awe-inspiring.”

Read the reviews:
“Creativity shines through” – Times Ledger read more >

Qboro: Arts, Culture, & Living – Queens Chronicle read more >

About AHRC:
AHRC New York City, a family governed organization, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The aim of AHRC’s work has been to offer disabled individuals day to day living that is as rich, absorbing and worthwhile as possible, with an emphasis on helping individuals live up to their maximum potential in the community. In the past sixty years AHRC has helped to create a life for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, offering an unsurpassed array of services to over 11,000 individuals and their families. For more info, please contact 212-780-2500 or visit www.ahrcnyc.org

This entry was posted on Friday, April 1st, 2011 at 3:41 pm. It is filed under Latest. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.