By Lamar James

The National Institute for Art and Disabilities Center, an art center for the disabled, continues to inspire artists with aspirations of art as a creative expression. The center in Richmond also is a place where those with disabilities can come and feel a connection between people who are experiencing similar challenges.

Photos courtesy of NIAD

“This is an open studio,” said studio manager and print making teacher Andres Cisneros. “We offer all areas of art here, painting, drawing, mixed media, fabric design, arts and crafts and print making. We are really trying to promote independent living skills that pertain to life and daily activities.”

“Re/Formations: Disability, Women and Sculpture” is the current exhibition on display in NIAD’s art gallery. The exhibition showcases art done by women with disabilities, addressing the issues between disability identity and female identity.

“I do art because it gives you peace of mind, and I enjoy doing it because I love it,” said student artist Shana Harper. “If I didn’t have a program like this I would probably be glued to a television doing nothing at home.”

Harper said just being at the center watching and observing has helped her a lot. “I can do a lot of things over here, but my favorite is to make jewelry and print making,” Harper said. “The teachers here are really hands-on, and they go to extreme measures to help you out if you need anything.”

“There is a great amount of joy that comes along with working here,” said jewelry design and craft teacher Patti Cook. “We are helping clients to realize their dreams through art and even helping some of those dreams come true. The students can express themselves through any medium of art, whether it is drawing, painting or putting things together, this center has given them a release of ideas.”

Cook added that the center’s goal is to show others that just because the students have disabilities, this shouldn’t stop their ability to express themselves in the world.
“Some of the students that most often visit the center cannot hear, see, talk or even walk, but they are still using their brains to create wonderful pieces of art,” Cook said.
“I love to go to workshops,” said student artist Krissy Dean. “This program helps me to make money, and I really enjoy art. “(It) helped me to gain a level of confidence and grow self-esteem within myself. It has helped me to realize my love, and my love is art.”