August 2007

ICI Launches “Changing Landscapes: The Visiting Artists with Disabilities Project”

Art created by individuals with disabilities will soon grace the walls of the Institute on Community Integration (ICI) as part of “Changing Landscapes: The Visiting Artists with Disabilities Project.” The year-long project, funded by a $1500 grant from the College of Education and Human Development, will feature artwork on loan from three community organizations that support artists with disabilities: Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts, Partnership Resources, Inc., and Courage Center. On September 17 an opening reception will mark the unveiling of the first collection of artwork to be displayed at ICI through support from the College-wide grant competition titled, “Building Art Building Community” sponsored by the College Multicultural and Diversity Committee to support multicultural/diverse public art in the College.

From September 2007 through August 2008, ICI will display – in four-month cycles – three sets of 25 to 30 pieces of artwork by individuals with disabilities from the three community organizations. The first set of paintings and drawings will come from Interact and will be hung in Pattee Hall in early September. The committee will host its first art opening on September 17, 2–3:30 p.m. during which ICI staff and guests can meet the Interact artists and view the artwork throughout the building. The Institute will display the second set of paintings and drawings from Partnership Resources, Inc. this winter, and the third and final set will come from Courage Center next spring.

“This project seems like a perfect fit for ICI given that our mission is all about improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities,” says Megan Dushin, co-chair of the planning committee. “We’ll have an opportunity to both support and benefit from the inspiration of artists with disabilities, and to experience the realities of these artists from their personal viewpoints.” Committee member Cliff Poetz adds that the “Changing Landscapes” project is important because “it brings color to ICI and helps educate people about what people with disabilities can do.” 

Throughout the year ICI staff will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the committee on their experience of the artwork through writing in a Comments Book that will be available in the front lobby of Pattee (along with other literature about the artists and the organizations). This feedback will guide the committee in the possible purchase of pieces for permanent display at the end of the year. In addition, staff will be able to purchase artwork individually from each of the displaying organizations.

“We were really excited to preview the artwork at these organizations,” notes Derek Nord, committee co-chair. “Some pieces are really intense and thought-provoking; you could tell the artists were reaching beyond the ‘pretty picture’ notion of artwork. We’re looking forward to sharing the art at ICI.” The members of the ICI planning committee that submitted the proposal and are coordinating the project are Melissa Critchley-Rodriguez, Pat Salmi, Cliff Poetz, Dorene Scott, and co-chairs Derek Nord and Megan Dushin. Additionally, Charlie Lakin provided encouragement along the way, as well as guidance to the committee in selecting community organizations with which to partner.

More information about the September art opening will be coming out in late August. For other information about the project, visit the Changing Landscapes Web page or contact Megan at dushi001@umn.edu or (612) 626-8649.