“Rise and Shine” by Carol Murphy
BIG ARTS is welcoming back “Art by the disABLEd” to its Dunham Family Gallery.
This year’s exhibition once again features works by artists with special abilities in Lee Memorial Health System’s Arts in Healthcare program. “Art by the disABLEd” displays the beauty of their art and helps extinguish old stereotypes about the capabilities of those with disabilities, highlighting their achievements instead.
Starting May 5, you can take a virtual stroll through a high-definition 3-D rendering of the gallery and view the show from the comfort of your own home by visiting bigarts.org.
“This exhibition is dear to us at BIG ARTS and important to our community,” Programs and Gallery Manager Lauren Huff said. “It brings much-needed awareness to these incredible programs. Each piece of art is created with passion, no matter the abilities or skill level of the artists, and it really shines.”
“Art by the disABLEd” began over 10 years ago and is part of Arts in Healthcare. The program has a working relationship with numerous local organizations, providing a creative outlet for artists who suffer from disabilities ranging from visual, physical and mental impairment, to those recovering from illness and injury.
“It can take a lot for some of them to get the brush to the canvas, but it’s a healing processes for all of them,” Arts in Healthcare Coordinator Doug McGregor said. “There are various levels of artistic abilities, but they always give it their all.”
Island visitors can view the exhibition 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through May 30. Masks are required, and there is a 25-person limit in the gallery.
For more information, call 239-395-0900 or visit bigarts.org.
