Abilities United

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 2^nd and 3^rd 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.