The Arts Council proudly presents Georgia Artists with Disabilities, A Visual Art Exhibition
November 8th through November 30th, The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center has the honor of showcasing a variety of visual art created by Georgia Artists with Disabilities. This exhibit is free of cost and open to the public each day from 9am to 4pm (excluding weekends and Thanksgiving break, November 22-25). The Arts Council will offer free scheduled tours to schools/large groups. School tours will include an educational audio/visual presentation, walk through the galleries to view the exhibit and games. To schedule a free tour call 770.534.2787 or email info@TheArtsCouncil.net.
Georgia Artists with DisAbilities, Inc. was founded by the Pilot Clubs of Metropolitan Atlanta in 1985, enabling disabled artists throughout Georgia with the opportunity to display and sell their original art, as well as being eligible to compete for awards. Based on the awards given, artists may also have the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in a statewide tour and exhibit. Many mediums of artwork are included in the show, such as pottery, painting, sculpture, wood carving, photography, metalsmithing, weaving, and others.
As GAWD begins making plans for the future, it continue to focus on our theme from our very first year - “Visions and Dreams, Tomorrow’s Reality.” Our main goal over the years has been to identify those disabled citizens of Georgia who are creative, capable, and talented in the arts, so that their achievements and talents can be recognized. There are many disabled artists in Georgia who have visions and dreams, but have no way of making them a reality. GAWD helps make them a reality.
From rheumatoid arthritis to schizophrenia to stroke, artists around Georgia are overcoming their mental and physical disabilities so they can show off their artistic skills. This year’s GAWD exhibition features 46 winning exhibits from more than 300 entries throughout Georgia. The pieces have been judged by a panel with artistic backgrounds. Each artist picks the price for their work of art, and while some choose to not sell at all, most of the pieces are for sale.
GAWD also helps create a platform for public awareness of the skills the artists have developed while overcoming the obstacles of their disabilities.
What It Means to the Artists . . .“After becoming disabled, my life-long dream of becoming an artist took shape. Georgia Artists with Disabilities was there for me. Rosa Kreill-Rawls, Warner Robins
“I had the best Christmas ever!” After selling some artwork at the show in Atlanta, he was able to save some money and purchase some gifts, and spend Christmas with his son for the first time EVER! Jim Price, Georgia War Veterans, Milledgeville
“After I had been severely injured, Georgia Artists with Disabilities helped me get my self-confidence back. It kept my art going and would not let me give up.” Dotti Reagan, Canton
The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center is located at 331 Spring Street SW, Gainesville, GA 30501
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CONTACT: Nairika K. Cornett
VOICE: 770.534.2787
EMAIL: nairika@TheArtsCouncil.net