The opening reception for Aspire’s iXpress, an exhibition of art created by children and adults who have developmental disabilities, will be held at the Fredonia Technology Incubator on Tuesday, July 18, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Area residents are invited to share in the joy of artistic creation through displays of colorful collages, pastels, acrylic paintings, drawings and a weaving that express the artists’ struggles, joys and dreams. “Up and Down,” “Abyss,” “Field of Dreams,” “Garden Delight” and “Flowers Everywhere” are among the titles of artwork to be featured.
The mission of Aspire of Western New York is to support children and adults with developmental and similar disabilities, helping them to live their lives to the fullest by providing individualized assistance based on personal choices. IXpress is an expressive arts program for people with developmental disabilities. It includes all forms of artistic expression, from painting, clay sculpting and writing to acting, singing, playing musical instruments and photography. This exhibition represents the visual arts portion of the program.
Program participants are led through an artistic process designed to fuel personal inspiration, improve communication skills and develop a stronger sense of self. IXpress reinforces that participants are first and foremost artists, who happen to be challenged with a disability.
Participating artists include: Clara DeChellis, Joe Dingledy, Carrie Haas, Acacia Hagen, Harry LaVoice, Tom Lesniowski, Jessica Mancari, Eric Morrison, J.B. Murphy, Jenna Pantano, Richie Paul, Laurie Peterson, Amy Pring, Cheryl Rackl, Steven Ray, Brennan Ryel, Donna Scoma, Heather Stevens, Gloria Slomba, Jon Staley and Amanda Wyclowski.
Reservations to attend the opening reception, free and open to the public, can be placed at https://aspirereception.eventbrite.com, which is also listed on the technology incubator’s homepage.
The exhibition will be open to the public on Monday, July 17, at the incubator, 214 Central Ave., Dunkirk. Regular viewing hours, which are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., continue, Monday through Friday, until Aug. 18.
