BIG ARTS welcomes back “Art by the disABLEd” to the Dunham Family Gallery. “Art by the disABLEd” features works by artists with special abilities in Lee Memorial Health System’s Arts in Healthcare program. The exhibition displays the beauty of their art and helps extinguish old stereotypes about the capabilities of persons with disabilities, highlighting their achievements and reinforcing their significance in our society. The exhibit, which is now open, runs through May 30. You can also experience the show from the comfort of your own home by visiting bigarts.org, where you can take a virtual stroll through a high-definition 3D rendering of the gallery. The virtual tour will launch on May 5.
“This exhibition is dear to us at BIG ARTS and important to our community,” said Programs and Gallery Manager Lauren Huff. “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 more than 10 years ago and is part of the Arts in Healthcare program at Lee Health. The program has a wonderful working relationship with The Lighthouse of SWFL, Cape Coral Special Populations, The Sunrise Group, and Goodwill Industries to display these special artists’ work regularly in Lee Health hospital galleries and care facilities. All proceeds from sales benefit the artists, as well as the Arts in Healthcare program. These organizations provide 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,” said Doug McGregor, the Arts in Healthcare Coordinator for Lee Health. “There are various levels of artistic abilities, but they always give it their all.”
You can view the “Art by the disABLEd” exhibit between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Masks are required, and there is a 25-person limit in the gallery. BIG ARTS is located at 900 Dunlop Road on Sanibel. For more information, please call the box office at 239-395-0900 or visit bigarts.org.
ABOUT BIG ARTS
BIG ARTS, established in 1979, is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing quality artistic, cultural, and educational experiences to Sanibel and Captiva residents and visitors. Visit www.BIGARTS.org to learn more about BIG ARTS and stay tuned for our 2022 season, and don’t forget to visit us on Facebook!
