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CONNECTIONS - Art show
getting rave reviews
Monday November 10, 2003
Natalie Miller
“It’s sophistication with a heart.”
That was but one of many encouraging comments expressed
to the producer of an inaugural exhibit showcasing
the work of professional artists with disabilities.
Connections runs until Nov. 21 in the Columbus Centre’s
Carrier Art Gallery at 901 Lawrence Ave. in Toronto.
The juried exhibition features 55 two-dimensional,
original pieces of art, primarily oil on canvas, acrylic
on canvas, photographs, collages and drawings. The
opening reception on Oct. 21 drew 300 people and organizers
are expecting another 400 visitors to come through
the doors before the show draws to a close.
The affair offers artists the chance to showcase their
work directly to Toronto’s arts and cultural
community and network with others.
“As both co-ordinator of the art exhibit and
a person who loves art, I would have to say that the
exhibit is an unmitigated success,” says Sharon
Wolfe.
“The art is of a very high calibre. It’s
stunning.”
Sharon put out the call to artists in the summer and
was thrilled to receive responses from people in Canada,
the United States and even India and Morocco. She
was equally impressed with the talent evident in the
submissions she received.
“There was no real way of knowing what the response
would be. But truth is it exceeds our best expectations
both in the quality of the work and in the number
of people who have come to see (the exhibit).”
Connections is the first event of the Abilities Festival:
A Celebration of Disability Arts and Culture committee,
a project of the Canadian Abilities Foundation.
“This does indeed set the stage for what will
follow,” says Sharon. “It actually raises
the bar quite high because not only were the works
first-rate but so was the venue.”
Susan Beayni, whose daughter, Rebecca, has a painting
in the show, calls the exhibit “totally, totally
awesome.”
“The opening was a night to remember,”
says Susan. “As a family, this was a very moving
experience for us.”
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