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| Dozens of original works of art are on display and availablefor purchase at the Abilities United SVOS art exhibit May 2 - 3. |
For the fifth year, artists of Abilities United, a nonprofit
which providing training and support to people with developmental and physical
disabilities and their families, will showcase original works of art
demonstrating the talent and imagination of artists who range in age from 19 –
50 years of age, at the Silicon Valley Open Studio tour May 2nd and
3rd at 525 East Charleston Road in Palo Alto. See paintings of returning
artists Michael Broadhurst, Judy Wachner and Philip Ma, the 2014 winner of
Cupertino’s Emerging Artist, as well as a new artist, Ingrid Lai. View works of
art which range from impressionistic landscapes, mesmerizing abstracts, Picasso
inspired portraits, to nature inspired photography.
California art collectors have purchased over 200 pieces of
Abilities United artists’ work, which are exhibited at business offices,
government buildings, coffee shops, libraries, and art galleries all over the
Bay Area from San Jose to Berkeley. Each
quality work of art is sold for $25 to $500 per piece, offering a fabulous
opportunity to invest in the Bay Area’s unique talents and support the artists
themselves who receive one hundred percent of the profit made.
In 2010, Design Loft proprietor, Hellen Hsieh, a volunteer
of Abilities United, suggested that Abilities United artists be included in the
SVOS explaining her passion for promoting the art created by people with
developmental disabilities; “I want other people to see the beautiful artwork
individuals with disabilities are capable of creating, to help people see their
talent and ability rather than their disability. This is an opportunity to give these artists
a public space to display their work.”
See how your support can make a difference in the lives of
these talented artists who prove that art has no boundaries and unlimited
expression.
Refreshments will be served
and there will be a drawing for Ingrid Lai’s still life All Lined Up (https://www.facebook.com/events/1552747254984792).
Other community members who have been instrumental in making
this exhibit possible are, The Great American Framing Shop of Palo Alto and
Peabody Fine Art Gallery of Menlo Park, both of which have donated many of the
frames, framing materials and framing labor.
They regularly host art exhibits for other local artists.
Abilities United is a United Way Affiliated Agency and a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization
for children and adults with developmental disabilities (mental retardation,
cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions
causing developmental delays) and other disabilities who live in Santa Clara
and San Mateo counties. Each year, thousands
of individuals and their families use its Children’s,
Adult, and Family Services.
Silicon
Valley Open Studios http://www.svos.org is a non-juried event so it is
more inclusive than many other public art events. This unique event is free and open to the
public. Being non-juried, this event
attracts many emerging and first-time artists who have recently moved into this
area and chose Silicon Valley Open Studios as their first exposure to the
buying public. In fact, this is why many
of Silicon Valley’s finest art gallery owners and museum curators tour the
event incognito searching for exciting new artistic talent. Every year in May, the public is invited into
artist’s workspaces to meet the artist, discuss and purchase artworks
directly. Visiting the artist’s studio
is the best way to understand their philosophy and motivation, and view a
larger body of their work to find the one that speaks to you. This is a unique opportunity to peak into the
world of art creation. Visit svos.org to
view some of the artwork.
