Gallery to show work by artists with disabilities
A new gallery in Monroeville is filled with mobiles, abstract paintings and more, created by artists with intellectual and other disabilities.
T h e s p a c e , c a l l e d t h e Gallery@ Club Forget- Me- Not, is hosting a grand opening on Aug. 2. Its first exhibit, “Majestic Movement,” includes work from about 30 artists. Many are affiliated with Not Forgotten Home & Community Services, a Carnegiebased nonprofit that provides residential and companion services, as well as activities, for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Not Forgotten Home & Community Services runs an art center called Studio Forget- MeNot. The Monroeville gallery is a branch of that and fits with the organization’s desire “to push creativity and have stimulating activities,” said Laura Stuart, creative services director and gallery facilitator.
Sonja Garnett- Williams, executive director of Not Forgotten Home & Community Services, said the gallery is a way to showcase the individuality of the artists.
“I see the gallery as being a way of [ people] expressing themselves and showing their art, showing what they are capable of doing, showing that they can be included in the art world, and displaying their uniqueness, gifts, as well as talent,” Ms. Garnett- Williams said.
The exhibit features a variety of works that explore the theme of movement. They include painted suitcases, a sculpture of the Log Jammer ride from Kennywood, whimsical jewelry, hanging jellyfish and abstract paint pours.
Ms. Stuart said that organizers chose the theme in part because the 3- year- old Not Forgotten Home & Community Services is “moving fast in all areas.”
The gallery is adjacent to a bright and colorful activity center, which opened in January. The space hosts movie nights, exercise classes and art programs, and organizers want to develop job- readiness programming there. It has a pool table, other games and lounge areas, and is available for clients who are not directly affiliated with Not Forgotten Home & Community Services.
In addition to the Monroeville space, the nonprofit has an art studio in Carnegie and an activity center in Bridgeville and is looking to open a spot in the North Hills, Ms. Stuart said.
She said she hopes that the gallery will help change perceptions about the artists, allow them to gain social skills, and even give them a chance to earn money. The artwork is for sale, and almost all of the proceeds will go directly to the artists.
“It gives them another way to
communicate,” Ms. Stuart said. “It helps evolve their self- esteem, and it’s a way for them to gain independence.”
Gerald Woods, a direct support specialist at Not Forgotten Home & Community Services, often brings one of his clients to the center for classes.
He said the client, whom he declined to identify, will be displaying several pieces at the show. The center gives him a way to learn new skills and interact with peers, Mr. Woods said.
“We can see the smile on his face,” Mr. Woods said. “We love it up here.”
The Gallery@ Club ForgetMe- Not is at 500 Garden City Drive in Monroeville. The grand opening on Aug. 2 begins with a ribbon cutting at 1 p. m. and runs until 8 p. m.