My Voice, My Story | Artists from Art Lab at AVA | The Linda Roesch Visual Arts Gallery
October 11-November 9, 2024 | Informal gathering: Friday, November 8, 5-6 pm
AVA Gallery and Art Center is pleased to announce My Voice, My Story, an exhibition of artwork created by the artists participating in Art Lab at AVA, a unique imaginative visual art program serving adults with special needs. Art Lab is a collaboration between AVA Gallery and the Special Needs Support Center (SNSC). Held seasonally in AVA’s second-floor South Studio, Art Lab began in 2008 through the enthusiastic diligence of both Sylvia Dow (parent of special needs children) and Murray Ngoima (former AVA teacher). The exhibition will include 28 visual artists and 50-60 pieces of artwork made through the Art Lab program. All artists proceeds will support SNSC.
My Voice, My Story pushes past the frequent invisibility of disability and challenges how the public sees disabled voices. Collectively, it is a story about disability, identity, and belonging from people who live disabled culture. My Voice, My Story creates new ideas of disability, seeing into the inner world of those who are stigmatized or pitied and allowing the artists to stand, for a brief moment, and be seen as humans with thoughts and beliefs, feelings and emotions, loves and aversions.
About the Special Needs Support Center, White River Jct., VT: In 1979 the parents of a young girl with autism began reaching out to other parents in their community. Their informal parent support network quickly received interest, and the new parent network grew tremendously. With boundless enthusiasm and a drive to make a difference, this group of parents started what would become the Special Needs Support Center offering a supportive environment that helps children and adults with special needs and their families meet their unique challenges through advocacy and program support. SNSC is supported by individuals and families throughout the Upper Valley and beyond who proudly work together to create a community where people with special needs, across the spectrum, and throughout their life span, can live their best lives. All people with special needs, and their families, have opportunities and support to pursue their goals and aspirations.
Participating artists: Brittney Bennett, Laura Buchanan, Jon Chase, Michael Currier, Emma Dow, Emma Dow, Ashley Dow, Tanner Dow, Sam Estes, Jordan Goff, Lauren Guay, Michelle Haberem, Evie Hackett, Lillia Hanson, Ali Keller, Rose Kerrigan, Lillian Lachle, Carrie Martin, Jenny Mayfield, Katie Merrill, Emily Neily, Nicole Pippin, Katherine Ryan, Jaleal Smith, Tyler Smith, Julie Tantillo, Tesha Thibodeau, Bill Thompson, Betsey Williamson, and volunteer artist: Kit Farnsworth.
The annual calendar for Art Lab at AVA includes Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions– twice a day on Wednesdays, 10-11:30 am and 3:30–5:00 pm.
Please join us for an informal gathering on Friday, November 8, 5-6 pm. All artists proceeds will support SNSC.
Image credit: Brittney Bennett
Art Lab is a collaboration between AVA and the Special Needs Support Center, with additional funding from the Highfield Foundation, Gail and John Wasson, and Goss Logan Insurance.
