Access to Art

For Everyone

In a world full of stress and anxiety, there is an oasis of joy in Great Barrington where people with disabilities of all kinds can come together to delight in individual expression in an encouraging and inclusive environment.

Community Access to the Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing and celebrating the creativity of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, brain injuries and autism, mentors about 1,000 people from across 16 towns and cities in Berkshire County MA and Columbia County NY. It offers programs at some 60 locations scattered over the two counties with 25 teaching artists working with the classes.

Through a wide variety of arts programs, CATA artists with disabilities are introduced to new talents and ways express their unique perspectives. CATA also collaborates with major cultural institutions, including the Clark Art Institute, The Mount and Shakespeare & Company to shine a light on the creative abilities of people with disabilities.

Community Access to the Arts, which is celebrating its 30 years, is headquartered in Great Barrington in a “big, beautiful building with offices and art studios” dedicated to the visual arts and writing, according to Chris Watford, communications director.

In July and August CATA is holding its signature event of the year, its annual art show featuring more than 200 paintings and drawings by more than 150 artists with disabilities. The exhibit is on display at two locations: the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, MA, through September 22nd; and at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Street in Pittsfield MA through August 20th. There will be an opportunity to meet the artists at the Clark Art Institute’s Lunder Center from 1 to 3 PM on August 22nd.

I Am a Part of Art is the culmination of hundreds of CATA visual arts workshops. Through these year-round workshops, CATA artists earn new techniques and build community. The organization’s website has a short video that explores some of the programs offered and the exuberant reaction of the participants. Referring to her art, one woman said simply, “You can’t hold it in.”

“Art is so powerful, every painting and performance invites us to see the world through the lens of the CATA artists,” said Executive Director Margaret Keller. “This is the community I want, one where every person’s contributions are seen and valued.

“I Am a Part of Art offers a window into the imagination of artists with disabilities,” she continued. “This exhibit is the essence of CATA’s mission: Our artists have created stunning work all year long in CATA workshops. And now community members have the opportunity to revel in these incredible paintings, drawings and sculptures. All works are available for sale and every sale provides a commission to the individual artist. You are sure to find a piece to fall in love with.”

“We post smaller exhibits throughout year,” said Watford, “but this exhibit is our flagship event. “Through our workshops people with disabilities create really fabulous expressive artwork. This is our eighth year at the Clark and our ninth at the Lichtenstein Center.”

He said a sister event is held each May at Shakespeare and Company in Lenox MA for those involved in performing arts—acting, dancing, drumming and juggling.

Watford said that in the last five years CATA has deepened its programs for youth. “We also go into nine school districts, reaching about 400 students in special education and alternative education programs. The CATA faculty artists go to the schools to offer the programs although students are also welcome to come to Great Barrington or another studio of their choice.”

A number of the younger artists’ works are included in the summer show. “it’s an opportunity for them to have their artwork beautifully presented by professionals,” Watford said.

“We have artists of all ages,” he continued. “We offer programs for teens, adults and elders. We have an art cart that goes into elder care homes for activities county-wide. In fact, we are expanding our programs even further with a program for children, aged two to ten this Saturday.

Parents and caregivers of young special needs children are invited to come to CATA from 10AM to noon for a fun and welcoming morning where the children can paint, color, draw and play with art in activities led by a faculty artist.

Adults can mingle and connect with other families while enjoying complimentary tea provided by ExtraSpecialTeas! The free program will be held at 420 Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington. Families can come at any time; siblings are also welcome. Registration is requested by emailing Rania Markham at sb.familieslikeours@gmail.com.

Watford said the programs are largely supported by the community. There are fees but Watsford explains, “Costs vary but because we serve a low-income population we keep our (participation) costs very, very low so we can make sure people with disabilities have access. We do a lot of robust fundraising in the community because we don’t want cost to be a barrier for anyone participating.”

He said no referral is needed to come into the program. “If anyone is interested in joining, we absolutely encourage them to call the office and our program team will work with families and caregivers to learn about their interests.”

Other clients are already affiliated with other disability agencies that direct them toward CATA. “All that is necessary is an interest in the arts,” Watford said. “No experience is required. Our programs meet Monday through Fridays and our workshops are typically series, week after week for a full year. We don’t do one-off programs because our series are designed to allow participants to build skills.”

I Am a Part of Art is sponsored by Berkshire Life Charitable Foundation, October Mountain Financial Advisors, Berkshire Magazine, Frames on Wheels, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and other generous supporters.

Community Access to the Arts can be reached at 413-528-5485; email: info@cataarts.org.