Art exhibit shows off work of those with disabilities

April 18, 2019 11:23 pm

By: Brittany Comak

Twitter: @comaknews

Email: bcomak@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – An art exhibit in downtown Providence is giving a voice to people with physical and cognitive disabilities.

It’s part of the Adaptive Arts program through United Cerebral Palsy of Rhode Island.

“Showing the work and having them realize that people recognize their work, talent, and appreciate their talent is really affirming, for any artist, but for these artists especially,” said a Coordinator for Arts & Culture at URI, Steven Pennell.

The work includes that of the likes of Craig Macdonald, who has Cerebral Palsy.

“Before I came I couldn’t even draw,” said Macdonald. “It was like stick figures and stuff… Now I can do landscapes and other things like that.”

He says he’s been painting and drawing the last 20 years, and that the Adaptive Arts program through UCP always helps him to feel good.

“It’s for people with handicaps, but I do not think of myself as a handicapped person,” says Macdonald. “I always tell people that I feel handi–capable.”

And capable he and his fellow artists certainly are – of overcoming their challenges – and revealing the beauty they see in the world.

“And you can see the eyes light up when they’re happy with what they’ve done,” said Director of the Adaptive Arts Program, Kimberly Beretta.

“I never thought I would be able to do this kind of art but now that I see it – now that I know I can, I’m continuing,” said Macdonald. “And that’s the best thing.”

The exhibit will be open until April 26 at the URI Providence campus.

All of the art is for sale, and all of the money from the sale will go directly to the artist.