WEST BRATTLEBORO-All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church is hosting an exhibit of 25 Vermont artists with disabilities in partnership with Inclusive Arts Vermont, through Aug. 31. The theme, Cycles, emerged from community input, and the artwork expresses cycles of nature; of the body, mind, and spirit; as well as experiences of repetition, circular shapes, and more.
The exhibition is on view at the West Village Meeting House, 29 South St., Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon, and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to noon, and by appointment by emailing allsoulsvtart@gmail.com. An artists' reception will be held on Saturday, June 22, from 3 to 5 p.m., and other online artist talks and in-person workshops are also planned over the summer.
According to Heidi Swevens, IAV's Director of Community Partnerships and Exhibition, the Cycles exhibition "is more than art on the wall." Accessibility is an integral part of the show.
The venue is physically accessible, and the art and artists can be experienced remotely in the online tour. Verbal descriptions, tactile representations, and other adaptive elements accompany selected works. Materials are available in multiple formats, including print, large print, Braille, audio tour, and digital formats.
As part of the June 22 artist reception, IAV will offer accessibility services including American Sign Language interpretation, Braille, large print, an audio tour, access for people with blindness and low vision, tactile elements, sensory items like noise canceling headphones, and a quiet room.
IAV creates biennial exhibits, which travel to several Vermont locations, through a robust network of community partnerships. Funding for this year's exhibition is provided in part by the Donley Foundation, Vermont Humanities, the Vermont Community Foundation, and a group of generous individuals. In addition to an opening reception and public hours, the exhibition will include digital artist talks and hands-on family events throughout the summer.
Swevens adds, "Yes, the art is exciting and engaging. What I find equally compelling is the artists' stories - the creative processes." As Cycles artist Leah Schulz shares: "For the last five years, I have been cycling, in and out, up and down, riding the waves of chronic illness. I have been socially, financially, and systematically removed from society.
"The only thing that tethered me to society is art. I leaned into a different side of my brain that I had never allowed myself to explore before, and found I loved crochet, block printing, and painting. This is my first piece to be included in an art show. I am grateful to Inclusive Arts Vermont for giving me a way to exist in these places again."
Disability representation matters. According to the CDC, nearly 25% of adults in Vermont have a disability. Beyond individuals, environments can be disabling too. The social model of disability points out external barriers that impact access and inclusion.
Through creativity and connection, the organizers hope that Cycles will bring diverse perspectives of disability experience to increase community inclusion.
Accessible parking, entrances, and restrooms are also available at the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church. Those with additional access requests are encouraged to contact Swevens at exhibitions@inclusiveartsvermont.org or 802-556-3668.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.