CATA and Berkshire Botanical Garden Present "The View From Here"

An Exhibit of Nature-Inspired Work by Artists with Disabilities

by Felix Carroll

Community Access to the Arts (CATA) and Berkshire Botanical Garden present "The View from Here," an exhibit of nature-inspired paintings and drawings by artists with disabilities. The exhibition will be on display at Berkshire Botanical Garden's Leonhardt Galleries from March 3-26.

"We're thrilled to partner with Berkshire Botanical Garden to celebrate the work of CATA artists," says CATA Executive Director Margaret Keller. "In their vibrant paintings and drawings, CATA artists with disabilities share their perspectives on nature and our beautiful Berkshires landscape. Exhibits like this bring CATA's mission to life: Artists with disabilities get to share their talents with the wider community and draw us into their life experiences through vibrant works of art."

"When we had a similar show last year of the work of CATA artists, it was a highlight of our very busy season," said Thaddeus Thompson, the executive director of Berkshire Botanical Garden. "This has become a deeply meaningful partnership for us, and we cannot wait to see the artwork for this show."

The 30-plus paintings and drawings featured in the exhibit were created through Community Access to the Arts' year-round workshops serving children, teens, and adults with disabilities. Some of the works were created on-site at Berkshire Botanical Garden as part of an ongoing partnership between CATA and BBG, while others were created by CATA artists at day programs and residences serving people with disabilities, as well as in CATA's studios in Great Barrington. The exhibit includes botanical studies, landscapes, and abstract paintings, each ranging widely in stylistic expression and scale of size.

All works are professionally matted, framed, and available for sale, with proceeds supporting commissions for the individual artists.

About Community Access to the Arts: CATA nurtures and celebrates the creativity of people with disabilities through visual and performing arts programs, Serving 800 people with disabilities across Berkshire County, Massachusetts and Columbia County, New York. Learn more at CATAarts.org.

About Berkshire Botanical Garden: Established in 1934 is one of the older public display gardens in the Northeast. BBG is a not-for-profit, membership-supported educational organization encompassing 24 acres. The Garden is open year-round for classes, lectures, workshops, and exhibits, and the display gardens can be visited daily from April 29 through Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Editor's Note: Felix Carroll is Director of Marketing Communications Berkshire Botanical Garden